Passages for Reflection: Philippians 4:4, 10-13

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice! 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know that you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (NLT)

We must learn how to cope because we live in a volatile world of instability.
We need to have spiritual skills in coping with what life may throw our way unexpectedly.
Our enemy will throw a fast ball or a curve ball and some will fall into suicide or depression.
There will be challenges in our lives, homes, schools, and in relationships which will produce failures, setbacks, disappointments, and let downs.
We need to deal with the issues that we face and learn how to cope.
That no matter what news we receive, we can call on the Lord in whom we put all of our faith, confidence, trust, and hope.
Be careful because satan will attempt to plant seeds in our mind to cause us to waver and doubt.
Realize that we are in spiritual warfare with the battle that goes on in the mind, and you must utilize commanding prayers to cast demonic spirits out.
In our text, Paul was in prison and rejoiced in the Lord greatly, anyway.
First, regardless of what is going on in your life, rejoice in the Lord always.
Second, learn to be dependent on God in the midst of your circumstances, no matter what the condition.
Don’t move your position with God in spite of what is happening in your current frustrated, painful, and/or stressful situation.
Third, know how to handle life’s paradox whether you’re up or down: still keep on worshipping; praise the Lord; encourage yourself in the Lord; and keep your peace and joy.
Fourth, say to yourself, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.’
Finally, we must become initiated in the divine secrets of spiritual coping with the Word of God engrafted on the inside.
Spiritual coping skills are a must for whatever storms surround us, be aware that there is refuge in the secret place of the most High, and that’s where we should choose to abide.

Sometimes in life things, people, and places become topsy-turvy leaving us with the notion of not knowing which way to go or what to do. So how do we cope when life UNEXPECTEDLY hands us unemployment, a life-threatening prognosis, an eviction notice, not receiving that job promotion, or a long-term relationship ends? You have come so far to throw in the towel. Stay connected, engaged, and hold fast to God at all times. Our circumstances and the people around us may change. But thank God we can draw on ultimate fulfillment from Him in our situations, because He NEVER changes. To COPE lets put our faith and reliant trust in the HOPE of God and His Word as a sure foundation.

Blessings and Love,
Lauretha