Day 276

Jeremiah 1:1–2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20

TODAY WE BEGAN the book of Jeremiah —one of the most intriguing books of prophecy in the Old Testament. This is partly due to the authenticity of Jeremiah himself. He was committed to obeying God, but he certainly didn’t like everything he was instructed to do. At times, he wanted to wash his hands of the whole business, because it appeared that no one was listening.

Jeremiah’s frustration wasn’t all in his head. Israel had turned her back on God, and for more than two decades, Jeremiah was a lone voice, warning that their path would lead them anywhere but a pleasant destination. This often led to conflict and imprisonment for Jeremiah. His message of impending doom was frankly not good for business, and powerful people were fed up with his interference.

Through trial and persecution, Jeremiah remained faithful to God, and sure enough, his warnings were accurate. The Babylonian Empire invaded the land in 587 BC. Jerusalem fell in the conquest, and Solomon’s stunning palace and the great Temple of God were utterly destroyed.

We also concluded Paul’s letter to the Philippians today, in which we were instructed, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). How extraordinary is this offer of unexplainable peace! We must note the process that precedes this peace, however. If we’re going to continue to worry about everything and not approach God with gratitude for all that He has done on our behalf, then we cannot expect to experience a peace beyond our understanding.

Paul gave us a posture that will put our hearts in the right place if we are seeking such peace: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

If we focus our energy on “things that are excellent and worthy of praise,” the deficits we feel —whether within ourselves or because of circumstances —will no longer distract us from union with Christ, which is our destiny.

WORSHIP:

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.