Look Up!

Philippians 1:1 – 2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul wrote this letter from prison. The church at Philippi had shown great support and love to him, and he wanted to thank them. In the midst of what must have been very difficult circumstances, Paul took the time to write a joyful, kind, loving letter to his friends. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he focused on his dear readers, wishing them grace and peace.

Sometimes, life is hard. Really hard. During those times, we often are so frustrated with our circumstances that we focus only on ourselves. And in focusing on ourselves and our rotten circumstances, we see only gloom and doom. By keeping our chins to our chests and looking only at our problems, we actually make our situations seem worse!

We can learn an important lesson from Paul. Look up! Look at God, and at those He has placed around you! Take the time to love them, to help them, to thank them for kindness shown. By taking our eyes off of our own darkness, we widen our vision to take in some light!

Paul was able to wish his readers grace, because he had experienced the grace that only God gives. He was able to wish them peace, because he had unlocked the secret to peace in his own life. He set his attention on God, and on others, and he barely had time to remember how bad things were. And those bad things seemed not quite so bad, as he remembered and shared God’s blessings.

Dear Father, Thank You for Your grace and peace. Please help me not to get so wrapped up in my own problems that I forget to be a blessing to others. I love You.

Amen