Epicenter: Philippi (Exchanging Sadness for Joy) — Friday
Philippians 4:4a
Rejoice in the Lord always. (NIV)
A couple weekends ago, my wife, Hannah, and I got to celebrate her grandmother’s 91st birthday.
Hannah’s Nana is a wonderful woman. She’s warm, kind, tender-hearted—I can see where my wife gets it! (Yes, that last part was a shameless attempt for brownie points.)
Several family members stopped in throughout the day, dropping by with hugs and gifts. Before we arrived, one of Hannah’s cousins who’s in her early twenties had dropped by. And as she began talking with her trusted Nana, she ended up venting some frustrations about life.
“Everything at her age just hurts so much deeper,” Hannah’s Nana later explained. “I remember!” Her tone was gentle and compassionate. She went on to explain how she’d tried to lift her spirits.
“I told her—look at all the good things you have going for you. You have this new job, you’re going to a fish fry tonight with your friends—you have a God who loves you. You’re gonna have a great day! Don’t worry about these other things, dear.”
Hannah’s cousin decided her grandmother was right—and added that she also has a Nana who loves her more than any Nana ever could. Nana lit up as she told that part of the story, not only because it made her feel good—but because it was true.
Let’s make something clear: This isn’t a story about how Hannah’s cousin was wrong for feeling sad—and about how you are also wrong for feeling sad, and why you and I should never be sad because we’re Christians, and being sad is bad. The end. Great devo, right?
Actually, what I admire about Hannah’s cousin is that she shared those feelings with someone safe—with someone who deeply loved her. She knew that her Nana would receive her with gentleness and compassion, and would lovingly point her back in the right direction.
Now, let me ask an important question: Do you think our Father will receive us the same way?
I’ll be honest—I can’t remember a time when God didn’t greet me with compassion. I can’t remember a time when He didn’t point me back in the right direction.
I can’t remember a time when God wasn’t good—because He always is. Paul reminds us that no matter our circumstances, because of Jesus’ love, we will always have something to celebrate.
So, don’t take it from me—take it from Nana: You have a God who loves you. And because of that, you’re gonna have a great day today.
Friday’s Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on all of the good things you have to celebrate today.
