Philippians 4.4-7

         Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice.
         Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
         The beloved is near.
         Do not worry about anything,
         but in everything by prayer and supplication
         with thanksgiving
         let your requests be made known to God.
         And the peace of God,
         which surpasses all understanding,
         will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
                        —Philippians 4.4-7

Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice.
         Look within for the joy God has given you.
         No matter your circumstances, stay in that joy.

Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
         Like a tender babe in a manger,
         dare to be gentle in the face of harshness.

The beloved is near.
         Unseen but present, love companions you.

Do not worry about anything,
         Wrap up all your worries in the finest paper…
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
         put an outlandish bow on them…
let your requests be made known to God.
         and give them to God. Don’t take them back.

And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
         You don’t have to “get it” to get it.
         Let God’s peace shield your mind from lies,
         your heart from fears and shame.
         It holds the sacred space where you can be who you are.

Now read the words from Philippians again.
Listen for the voice of God.

   —December 14, 2018