Dwell On These Things

Almost 50 years ago, I was introduced to a passage of Scripture that had a profound impact on my life. I had just finished college and was taking my initial steps toward establishing a career in filmmaking. Unfortunately, the pieces weren’t coming together quickly or easily. No doors for employment were opening in Hollywood or anywhere else. I was desperate, frustrated and discouraged.

One Sunday evening a friend shared a Scripture passage that really spoke to my heart: Philippians 4: 4-13.  It was part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a small church in the Roman colony of Philippi. Paul was under house arrest and knew that his execution was probably near. Yet, his words were loaded with an unmistakable sense of serenity and optimism.

From a human perspective that didn’t make a lick of sense to me. Both the apostle and his small flock lived under the ominous shadow of persecution, 24/7. Yet, Paul wrote eloquently about living moment-by-moment empowered by a quality he called the peace that surpasses all understanding.  When I read it, my initial reaction was “sign me up for some of that ASAP!”

Over the years, I’ve read Philippians 4 hundreds of times and today Paul’s inspired insights have never seemed more relevant. In celebration of this season of giving thanks, Jerry and I have incorporated the Scripture into a short video that you can easily share with a world badly in need of the genuine peace and hope only God can provide.

Take four minutes to reflect on one of the foundational promises of the Christian life. It is a remarkable gift for which we can all truly be thankful.