Yesterday we discussed letting our thoughts be worthy of the gospel. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9) 

It’s been coming for quite some time, and yesterday morning depression hit me very hard, and I seriously have my eyes holding back tears almost constantly. I don’t want to discuss it here, actually I find that I don’t want to discuss it at all and haven’t. I have made a choice to meet with my doctor. But what I know I need more than ever is to immerse myself in God’s Word and to get out an get some exercise. 

So here where none of you really know me, I’ll talk about each thought listed above and claim something. Maybe it will help someone else. 

  • What’s true is: I am a child of God
  • The Lord my God is noble, He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
  • I am made righteous only because I have believed on Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior
  • My Lord has created within me a new heart that is clean and pure, and I must lean on Him to keep it that way
  • My Lord loves me enough to offer Himself as my ransom — that’s certainly of good report and is praiseworthy

My struggle is not with people, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12) I know where the fiery darts are coming from, but I confess that I could use some prayer now “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). Thank you in advance to whoever reads this, and keeps me in your prayers.

I listened to a sermon the other day on Phil 4:8-9, that suggested a portion of Psalm 19 mirrored much of what is written in the letter to the church of Philippi: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.” (Ps 19:7-11)

My prayer is that these words today will lift up someone else for God’s glory.