"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
This
passage reminds me of a song I learned in catechism classes as Lutheran back in the late 1960s and early
1970s. The song is based in St. Paul’s closing in his letter to the Philippians
and is sung in a round - here is a short Youtube video of the song, pretty much as I
remember it:
4 Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let
your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. 7 And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
8 Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:4-8)
So,
what does this mean to me, here and now? I expressed to my professor a little
frustration after seeing the remaining milestones in this terminal degree. Initially,
I thought I would be done by December 2021, but the schedule changed and put my
posted “final class” to end in January 2022. Then, I received a call from the
counseling office and she shared with me the milestones remaining – and there
is no way I will be fully completed with this degree by January – but I am still
hopeful for Spring 2022. These passages remind me to continue to rejoice in the
Lord, not just when I think things are going well – but ALWAYS. I am not to be
anxious about what is laid before me, but trust in the Lord that His peace
surpasses all understanding and will keep my mind in Christ Jesus.
In
Christ,
Scott<<<
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