Warriors Arise: December 13, 2022
Philippians 4:10 (NKJV) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
Paul rejoices in the Lord, because someone cared for him. Absolutely, we need to thank the people who are showing us care and kindness. We should be grateful for what they have done, but I am not sure I thanked God. I am not sure I rejoiced in the Lord. Maybe in my desperate times, when a check arrived that wasn't expect and we had a bill that needed to be paid. Generally, it is when I am least expecting it, but know it is God who heard my cry, my need and someone responded with exactly what I needed. They didn't even know the need. I might have just needed someone to take the time to listen. Other times, I needed to be included in what they were doing. I needed someone to not assume that I can handle it, when I was desperately hoping for others to help lift the burden, relieve the stress or help me finish the job; so I could have time to laugh, play or relax.
I think we can agree people are not easily moved to care for others. There are some who have a natural gift of caring. They send the cards at birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. They make the phone calls, even to those they have just met. When these people call or write, it is always to encourage and listen. They aren't looking for anything in return. Same with people who are naturally gifted to see something that needs to be done and they do it. You don't have to ask them, they step in and take care of it. You don't have to beg them; because they get it done while others are sitting around waiting for instructions or maybe even hoping no one will ask them. These people not only care about people, but they care about what matters to people. Paul references that the people in Philipi had the desire to care, but lacked the opportunity. He praises the Lord, because they were ready. They were not caught off guard, without oil in the lamp, like the 5 foolish virgins. They were ready when God reveled Paul's need.
Paul praised the Lord! He rejoiced in the Lord because they were ready! I have a few people I would really love to "care for." They do not have need of me currently; but when they have a need that I can assisted or supply, I will be ready. They have made an impact in my life and I want to remember them, watch them, listen for when they have need. When they do, I want to be the one there helping, assisting, or supplying that need. I want them to rejoice in the Lord, because I was cared for them. I want them to rejoice in the Lord, because what they have meant to my life was not small or insignificant. They have impacted my life and I want them to rejoice in the Lord, to know they have so effected my life; I am a better person because of them. I want them to rejoice in the Lord, because they were not forgotten. They were remembered for all they have done in my life and for others.
As a society, we generally do not do well in caring for others. Until they are in a dire situation, we let time slip away and relationships dwindle. We do not generally keep before us those those whom have influenced our lives in a positive way. However, if we don't, how will be ready to care for them? How will we even know their need? How can they rejoice in the Lord for our care if it isn't there? Maybe we have become a society that is fatalistic because we, as a society, have not been ready to care for others. It is too much trouble, takes too much time, or I might have to sacrifice my time, money or couch time. No one should do life alone. There are too many people who want friends, want someone to hang out with, play games with, go shopping with, go out to eat or travel with. My grandma traveled all over Europe with her sister-in-law. My grandpa liked his feet on the ground. So he sent his sister. We want to experience life with someone. Sometimes that means we have to put ourselves out there and care for others. Not everyone is going to become our travel buddy, but my grandma didn't want to travel alone. Her sister-in-law was ready and they had grand adventures. You can rejoice in the Lord for God providing a travel buddy. No one wants to experience it alone. Caring for someone doesn't always have to be work. Caring for someone is meeting a need they have. My grandma had a need for a travel companion and God provided. This would be an occasion to rejoice in the Lord.
"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice, and again I say rejoice." Maybe you know the song. Talk about putting me in a happy mood! It is fun to receive the care of others and it is an opportunity to cause others to rejoice in the Lord when we care for them. What if that was our focus everyday? Who else can I care for today? Who can I meet a need in their life by caring for? How can I do this that so they know God's love for them overflows?
Father, You are so good! I am so excited to make this a priority in my life. Talk about Christmas everyday! Open my eyes to see who needs a friends, a resource I can provide or a deed done. I want everyday for there to be someone I serve, who will have a reason to rejoice in You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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