In Philippians 4:4-8, Paul writes to the saints at Philippi and reveals inspired insight on how to direct our thoughts. Christians have responsibilities both secular and spiritual. These responsibilities can cause us to lose our joy. Phil. 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.” Since we obeyed the gospel and put on Christ in baptism, eternal life with God awaits us. There is no greater reason to rejoice than eternal life with God.  No matter the circumstances, no matter the responsibilities, and no matter the schedule; Christians have reason to rejoice.

According to Paul, this type of constant rejoicing comes through prayer. Philippians 4:5-6, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Is prayer on your “to do” list? Is prayer on your mind during the day? The Bible teaches us that Jesus prayed often to His Father (see Matthew 14:23 and Mark 6:46). In Luke 6:12, the Bible says “And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” All night in prayer to God!? How often do you pray? The laundry can sometimes wait, the dishes can sit for a while, and the floor can go un-swept long enough to pray to the awesome God of Heaven. What’s on your mind?

Not only does prayer bring rejoicing but it also brings the peace of God. Listen to Paul in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Faithful Christian women know, all too well, that completion of all the chores in and outside the house, carrying out every responsibility and duty, and finishing every set task does not bring peace. Why? Because it won’t be long before the chores need to be done again, the responsibilities and duties will eventually multiply, and new task will be set again and again. But thanks to our God and Father, His peace that passes all understanding is able to keep our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Do you want the peace of God? Again, what’s on your mind?

By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul sums it all up in Philippians 4:8 by saying, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” The early Christians lived in a perverse generation with all manners of evil around them and affecting them. Yet, the early Christian women did not have washers and dryers, microwaves and ovens, or shopping malls and grocery stores. How great were their responsibilities and duties? We have the opportunity for our minds to be full of truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, and good news. Is there any virtue or praise on your mind? Our families, both church and home, are influenced and effected by what we, as Christian women, think. Our minds must be filled with God’s Word to the extent that our actions reveal its wisdom. Our homes cannot be clean and our hearts dirty. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).

By Evelyn Bonner

Evelyn and her husband, Mike, serve with the Grape Street church of Christ in Abilene, TX where Mike preaches. She is the proud mother of five children. She enjoys speaking for ladies days.