Philippians 1:3-6 (ESV)
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Devotion:
Todays devotion is a simple, but sweet and precious reminder for us. First, the letter to the Philippians is a little different than some of Paul’s other letters. In other books, he is addressing a crisis and offering guidance. However, this letter is intended as a way for Paul to express his gratitude for the people of Philippi, whom he has come to know and love. He offers his thankfulness and joy for his friends, the believers he sees as his brothers and sisters in the gospel mission.
Paul spends time reflecting on the impact they had on his life. Their fellowship and partnership in the gospel brought him happiness in the midst of all of the darkness and trials that Paul faced. It makes me reflect on the big gospel picture and how beautiful it is when believers come together- When we stand united by the name of Jesus, to share the joy and hope that is our Savior. It makes me pause to take a moment to reflect on this feeling… what it is to be part of a bigger gospel picture. It brings all my problems that feel so huge and overwhelming into the big, eternity perspective.
In the second part of the passage, Paul states “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s gratitude was not based solely on their past actions but extended to their present and future as well. He was confident that the work God had begun in their lives would be brought to completion. This confidence in the Lord’s work in us is also still applicable today. Each moment we claim the name of Jesus and seek Him out, we become more and more like Him. Our journey of faith is not meant to be stagnant. He is pruning our hearts in order for us to be closer to Him. This also reminds us that this journey is not meant to be completed alone. Paul is reflecting on the joy it brings Him to walk alongside His brothers and sisters, just as we should walk alongside our people today. God initiates a good work within us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He doesn’t abandon us midway but always carries it through to its fulfillment, even when we can’t see exactly what He is doing. He brings people into our lives to strengthen us and refine us, to remind us of His character, so that we can bear one another’s burdens, and to find the joy He has for us in knowing & being known.
When I look at Paul’s attitude in this passage, two main themes stick out to me – gratitude and confidence. Gratitude enables us to recognize God’s faithfulness and goodness, not only in our lives but also in the lives of the people around us. It cultivates a spirit of deep, lasting gratitude and joy, even in the darkest of times. So, hang in there friend. Confidence in God’s work in our lives allows us to hang onto hope through difficult seasons. We can find rest and peace in knowing that the same God who began a good work in us is faithful to bring it to completion. He will not abandon us, He promises to be with us unto the ends of the earth.
So, let’s use today’s devotion as a reminder to take a moment of quiet to be confident in God’s promises to us and to let thankfulness for Him wash over us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to foster a heart of gratitude, remind my fickle heart to show thankfulness for our brothers and sisters in You. Help me to have unwavering confidence in Your work, trusting that Your promises are true and you will never abandon me. Thank you for the gift that faith is; bringing us hope and light in a dark and fallen world. Thank you for the people you’ve brought into my corner as we seek you out together. Please show us how to be grateful, patient, and confident is You bring Your work to completion. We love you Lord. Amen
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