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Have you ever noticed that you can’t be angry and thankful at the same time?
There is a peace that comes from an attitude of gratitude. And Paul provides a formula for this indescribable peace in Philippians 4.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The entire book is an exercise in cognitive therapy. Rejoicing truly makes our lives better, fuller, and more peace-filled. When we see things the way God would have us see them, we are able to dwell in peace, walking with the God of peace (Phil. 4:9).
When we see through God’s eyes and trust His plan, His sovereignty, and His control over everything, it becomes easier to obey the command to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!”
If I see God as greater than my circumstances, I don’t see the giant Goliath as the Israelites saw him, rather, I see God how David saw Him: as the God who can conquer my giants. And therefore David rejoiced in the opportunity to confront the giant and give God the glory (1 Samuel 17).
How can you change your perspective, trust God, and find peace in rejoicing?