The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

There is no question but that we live in difficult times. What are we to do? Some people need work that brings finances that provides food and medicine. Others need medical assistance. All of us need encouragement. What do we do? Where are we to look for our needs?

The Apostle Paul said it clearly: “Rejoice in the LORD!” He is our encourager! Remember the song that says,

If you know the LORD, you need nobody else

To see you through the darkest night.

A host of things produce those dark nights. But when we know the LORD, we have faith and trust that He will do everything satisfactorily. Paul faced moments like we’re facing today. He said, “Rejoice!” But what does it mean to “rejoice”? It means to be glad. It’s not putting a false face on a gloomy heart. It’s genuinely trusting the LORD, whom we know controls all things. If He chooses to change our gloom into sunlight, we can rejoice. If He chooses that we should remain in the shadows of human uncertainty, we can still rejoice, knowing that He is always in control.

We should allow our “forbearing spirit” to be seen by everyone. Forbearing means to exhibit an attitude “that looks humanly and reasonably at the facts of a situation.” It is a quality of wisdom that comes only from God. What’s more, He is always nearer than we think. So, don’t be anxious. Just pray and be thankful and trust the LORD.

The promise is that God will give you peace. He will enable you to resist anxiety. He will protect your heart and your mind, enabling you to trust in Christ Jesus, regardless of the severity of the situation. Remember too, that the Bible is a comforting Book like no other.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”