This blog is about pages 139-141 in the book The Smart Guide to the Bible: Paul and the Prison Epistles.
Philippians 1:3-5 says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (NKJV).
Paul had received help from the Philippians on three occasions, and although he hadn’t seen them in ten years and was separated from them by eight hundred miles, he still had fond thoughts for them. He appreciated what they had done, and thanked God for what they did for him. In the same way, we should be thanking God for the things that have happened in our lives, even if they happened a long time ago. Sometimes it’s one little thing that happened years ago that means so much to us. I know that for me personally, there are things that happened so long ago that I still think about, and I need to praise God for those things again, even though I have many times before.
Years ago at camp, there was this boy I met. I think his name was Cory, but I honestly don’t remember. I just remember telling him about some of the things I had been through (and this was even before some of the “worse” things had happened to me), and he told me that he admired me so much. He said that other people who went through stuff like I have would be bitter and mean, but I’m not. He said that it’s great that I don’t blame God or act bitter towards other people. Even though that was in middle school (I think I was only 12 or 13 when he told me this!), it still sticks with me to this day. I feel that even though it was a little thing and he probably doesn’t remember me, I should continue to thank God for him. And not only that, but I should pray for him and his needs, although I have no idea what they are.
I could tell so many stories about people God has brought into my life at just the right time. At every hard place in my life, God has brought someone to come along side of me. Although some of those people were only there for a season and life went on, I still should praise God for the support I got from them, and if possible, tell them how much that support or those few words of encouragement meant to me.
The other thing in this verse is that Paul said that he made his requests for the Philippians with joy. We should pray with joy because we know God answers prayer. Although sometimes we may be praying for someone who is unsaved or in a tough situation and we may be tempted to be glum about it, we should pray with joy. We can rest assured that God answers our prayers, even if He doesn’t answer them in the way that we think is best. God knows what is best for the people we pray for, and He will take care of them. We also need to remember to tell people that we are praying for them. I know that in my life, when someone tells me that they are praying for me, that is one of the best encouragements they could give me. When this encourages me so much, why wouldn’t I tell someone when I am doing the same for them?
The last thing is that we should live a life that people thank God for. When people think of me, I want them to thank God for me. I don’t want them to praise God for me for my own good and ego, but because I want to have made that sort of impact on their life that they would remember me when they pray. Living this type of life isn’t easy, but by putting God and others before me, this lifestyle will come naturally and I will impact those around me.
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