Today I’m sharing a PIC that God brought to mind as a follow-up to last’s week post- In All and Through All- Joy! In Philippians 1, Paul writes from chains in a prison cell, rejoicing and offering thanks even for this circumstance because it was furthering the gospel and exalting the name of Jesus.
Paul provides for us a real life example of what he had learned about the will of God- that it includes being joyful always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. This you might say is the hard work of living it out . . . of obeying God’s will . . . even when it doesn’t feel right or come naturally.
As I’ve considered Paul’s lifestyle of obedience in being joyful and giving thanks in unlikely places, God reminded me of a verse that I had studied and prayed a while back. I remembered the phrase- bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, so I did a scripture search which led me to Psalm 50:14-15.
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
The first word that stands out to me is sacrifice– an offering; a surrender of something prized. This word’s connotation implies that I offer or bring something that costs me- something dear to me. I’m aware that many times this is not what comes to mind when considering joy and thanksgiving. I think of these more like natural defaults from situations that are good, blessed, worked out, answered, and this is true.
But what about the circumstances like Paul’s- that are hard? They are places where I have more questions than answers . . . they are not yet worked out . . . I am in the trenches, wondering how God is going to work it all out for good. From where I’m sitting, I just can’t see it, and I certainly don’t feel like being joyful and thankful- and yet Paul says in and through all circumstances. In my mind, I circle the word ALL.
This is the place of sacrifice. I must give up something- the attitude and feelings of my flesh, my pride, my demand for my way and how I think it should all work out for my comfort and good. I must open my eyes to see how God is present and working even in this place I didn’t expect or choose. Maybe I give up my anger over a reality I don’t prefer or my excuses to not move on with God until He does what I want. So many opportunities come in hard circumstances to die to self and live in a manner worthy of Christ.
One place God is calling me to apply this is in my dad’s dementia. This long goodbye definitely challenges me in the joy and thanksgiving department. I would not wish the circumstance on anyone, and while I am not thankful for the disease itself, there are reasons to rejoice if I will open my eyes and heart to them. God is present- even here! His provision of grace is enough- one day at a time! I can trust him- he will not leave or forsake! He himself helps with each need that arises. He understands, and His wisdom is complete- this isn’t too hard for Him, and even in this, He is working for his good. I am thankful I can trust Him- He is faithful even here. I can also thank God for the time He’s given me- to be present and to help. I’m deeply grateful for a godly father who worked and saved and was a good steward, now having the financial resources for his care. The list grows as I open my eyes and my mouth in obedience!
Offering this sacrifice of thanksgiving in turn helps me with the next words that stand out in Psalm 50:14-15- perform your vows– keep your solemn promise or pledge; your personal commitment. Thanksgiving- in hard places- helps me keep my commitment to the Lord. It guards me against anger and doubt over a situation that otherwise may have the power to cause me to turn my back on God or blame Him for not coming through for me in a way I desire.
In a prison cell- Paul knew this.
From a prison cell- Paul obeyed this.
He was living out what He knew to be true and would later write in encouraging the church at Ephesus-
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
For Paul there was no greater sacrifice than that offered by his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. As we move into Philippians 2, we’ll hear Paul’s heart for the one who even though in nature was God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but instead humbled himself by taking on flesh and obediently died on a cross. His name is to be exalted and lifted above all names.
We’ll be encouraged in Chapter 2 to have this same attitude of humble obedience; it’s what Paul calls the attitude of Christ Jesus.
Perhaps as we turn the page to this new chapter, a fitting way to begin is to offer a sacrifice . . . of thanksgiving . . . to count it all joy- in the hard place that you don’t prefer and would perhaps like resolved or removed. Remain faithful even in this place. Find a blessing or a joy to count, even if it’s hiding beneath the surface, not readily visible.
Then like Paul, we will call upon the Lord in our trouble; He will deliver us, and we will glorify Him!
Daily PICs for Life 