image map Home Favorites Reading About Contact

Comfort verses from Philippians—Friday’s Fave Five

Friday's Fave Five at Living to Tell the Story

Last Wednesday in Elliott’s class on Philippians, we read “comfort verses.” I’m still thinking about them today, and thanking God that he inspired Paul to write this wonderfully full letter.

It’s hard narrowing down to five, but these are a few of my favorites.

1. Celebrate, celebrate!

Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, Rejoice.
                                                                                                                 
~ PHILIPPIANS 4:4

I finally made it back to both Sunday and Wednesday classes with the church this week. It was encouraging to be with other believers and celebrate our common faith.

The most wonderful blessings are in Him. That is something to rejoice about every day!

2. Peace beyond comprehension

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
                                                                                                                
~ PHILIPPIANS 4:7

I’m over-creative with “what-if’s.”

  • What if the cancer comes back?
  • What if I look like a boy with my short haircut?
  • What if we get a new puppy and he barks all the time?
  • What if she has to have surgery?
  • What if I can’t be nice?
  • What if I never conquer this sin of worry?

Well, it will still be okay. God is bigger. He trumps it all. Live strong.

If we give him our worries (Philippians 4:6-7), he’ll give us his peace. Sounds like a great deal to me!

3. Beautiful thoughts

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 
                                                                                                                
~ PHILIPPIANS 4:8

When I’m tired or stressed, my mind naturally flows downward, to thoughts of, “I’ve been a horrible mother this week,” or “I wish I could do what *I* want to do all day!” So I need scriptures like Philippians 4:8 to remind me to think beautiful, godly thoughts, not selfish, negative ones.

4. Win/Win

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 
                                                                                                               
~ PHILIPPIANS 1:21


I had a bad headache yesterday, and coupled with chronic back pain and lack of sleep, I look forward to a new body even more than normal. But even better than the promise of a new body after this one quits, is the promise to be with Christ in a fuller way. In the meantime, he lives with me even now, even in this body.

In Christ, we can’t lose. 

5. Strength to be content

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
                                                                                                                ~ PHILIPPIANS 4:13

Content? Satisfied?

  • Even if none of your jeans are comfortable?
  • Even if you don’t take Spring Break next week?
  • Even if your father just died and your mother has Alzheimer’s and you don’t know what to do next?

Yes! That’s what he says (Philippians 4:11-13). In any and every circumstance, he’ll strengthen me. I’m not fully there, but I’ve sampled it enough to believe the promise is true and to keep coming back for more.

* * *
So I trade in my confessions for his forgiveness,
and worldly lies for the Lord’s truths.
And I find comfort.

Do you have a favorite verse in Philippians?
What has brought you comfort this week?

For more Friday favorites, visit Susanne and friends.

16 comments:

Brenda said...

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (3:8)

Paul had lost so much (by earthly standards) and was sitting in a Roman prison in chains... whenever I think my situation is unbearable... I go back all the time now to Philippians. Nothing matters except knowing Jesus. It's true.

I also love Philippian 4:8- I love how psychology affirms that verse... positive thinking is the key. (An area where I definitely need to grow).

Brenda said...

P.S. You don't look like a boy with the haircut, so you can scratch that one off your worry list. :-)

Lazy Daisy said...

Dear Sweet Lisa, I feel like a spiritual pygmy reading your worries, your special verses from Philippians, and your victory in Jesus. Please forgive me for complaining , I have no problems,merely inconveniences. bless you for being a blessing to me today.

Stephani Cochran said...

I like Phillipians 4:12 - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." - This is true peace. To have found that place where you don't yearn for more than what you have, or fear losing what you have because you already have it all in Jesus. Nothing can be added to him, nothing can be taken away.

Thanks for sharing Lisa!

Jerralea said...

I love Philippians! Phil. 4:8 is my fave because it is so important on what you have your mind fixed on.

Also, you gotta love Phil. 4:19 - My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches through Christ Jesus. Of course you have to read a little bit previous to that verse to see that because the Philippians are givers, God promises to meet their needs, but something tells me you are already a giver, so you can stand on the promise He will meet your needs, emotionally spiritually and physically!

Melli said...

I KNEW you couldn't wrap up Philippeans without my FAVORITE 4:13! And it is sO true! If we just keep our eye on Him, our heart wrapped around Him, and His glorious LONG arms wrapped around us... we really can't go wrong! It WILL all work out to the good of HIM and those who LOVE Him! This was a GREAT FFF! I LOVED it!

Hazel said...

Philippians 4:8 is a lesson in optimism. I'm glad to read it again (haven't read or heard it in awhile)

Thanks for another blessed read this week.

ellen b said...

Yep had to chuckle about the line..."even if none of your jeans are comfortable!"
These are all great faves!!

Brenda said...

I learned long ago to forget about the "what if's" and to concentrate on "what is". It helps me enjoy every moment of every day.

Nice post

LeAnn said...

I completely enjoyed this post. I love how you had a verse above each of them. I appreciated each thing you mentioned in them. Great post if I may say so. :)

nikkipolani said...

Ugh. I sympathize with several of your what-ifs, esp "What if I can't be nice?" But you're right, of course, God is stronger than all that. Thank you for these great reminders.

Jientje said...

What a an inspiring and thought provoking post!

Susanne said...

He certainly is bigger than any problem or worry I can throw at Him! What an amazing and faithful God. Thanks for all these reminders out of Phillipians.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Your post brought me comfort, Lisa. Thanks for the reminders of all the gifts in Philippians!

I'm partial to "peace beyond comprehension"!

Happy weekend, happy spring.

Barbara H. said...

I marvel not only at these great comforts, but that God reminds us of them again and again, never growing impatient that we forget and wander around the same wilderness, remembering that we are but dust, loving us still.

Lisa Spence said...

Amen! I love this post and I love the promises of Philippians! To live is Christ!!!!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails