Joy: Week 3 - Day 4
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, we come to you today with open hearts and minds. We are grateful for the blessing of a new day. Amen.
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed, he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad, and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.”
REFLECT:
Epaphroditus, mentioned here, is the one who will be carrying this letter to the Philippians. He’s endured a grave illness and recovered during his time with Paul as Paul awaits trial. Epaphroditus’ presence has been a source of comfort and companionship for Paul in a trying time. He asks the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus home with great joy because of how valuable he had been while away.
APPLY:
How can we bring joy to our friends who are going through hardship? One of my favorite pictures of friendship and encouragement takes place in Exodus 17 when Israel is fighting the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel would have the advantage in battle. But his arms grew weary and he could no longer keep them raised. In a beautiful act of service and friendship, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of Moses and held up his hands for him. In what ways can we metaphorically hold up the hands of our friends who are weary from fighting? So many people are fighting silent battles during this season - depression, anxiety, mental fatigue, intensely overwhelmed, juggling an impossible number of tasks for one person. Sometimes simply telling another person you see all that they are carrying can be so powerful. Offer to step in and complete simple tasks for people you know are struggling. Send a teacher a note of encouragement with their favorite treat. There are so many ways to encourage and bring joy to others in this time.
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, so many in our communities are struggling. Give us eyes that see needs and hands that meet those needs in love. We are so grateful for your loving example. Amen.
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