By Edie Dutton
Philippians 4:4-7
I think someone is trying to tell me something, I thought as received my Advent devotional assignment. This is the second time I have been given Philippians 4:4-7 duty. Now Philippians is my favorite book in the Bible and for a very good reason…I need to hear it!
Who has seen the National Car Rental commercial with actor, Patrick Warburton, striding through the airport to pick up his rental car? The first time I saw it, I nearly spit my drink out laughing. For those of you who have not seen it, Patrick Warburton says, “Some people call me a control freak, but I like to think of myself as more of a control enthusiast.”
Ok, I admit it. I am a control enthusiast. Detail is my middle name and I like everything scheduled, neatly packaged, and well planned. However, this can get quite tiring and ultimately is futile. I have learned the hard way that as “enthusiastic” as I am, I am not able to control my health, kids’ grades, finances, friends, politics, or even my own emotions. The only thing I can control is choosing to rest in the promises God gives us in this passage.
This Advent’s theme is “Rest.” Sounds simple right? However, rest is not so easy to achieve. The world tells us to be busy. I don’t know about you, but I often feel guilty if I am not doing something. Sigh. This Advent season let’s claim God’s promise of a peace that transcends all understanding…Rejoice! Show gentleness! Here’s the hard one…don’t be anxious about anything! Pray with thanksgiving! Receive peace in Christ Jesus!