Scripture

In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.

~Philippians 4:14, NRSV

Quote

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.

~George Washington

Philippians 4 is a wonderful chapter, one of my favorite in all the word of God. In this great chapter Paul says…

• Rejoice in the LORD always and again I say rejoice.
• Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything.
• Think on things worthy of praise and the peace of God will be in you.
• Learn to be content in any and all circumstances.
• Christ is our strength in all things

Wow, what a fantastic list of exhortations. After saying all these wonderful things, Paul says, “In any case, it is kind of you to share in my distress.” The word distress is the Greek word ‘thlipsis’. It is one of the few Greek words that I recognize. It is the word used for pressing the juice out of the grapes. It literally means under pressure and is translated tribulation, oppression and distress. I like the NRSV translation here as distress. Distress is suffering that affects the mind or body due to a difficult situation in which you do not have enough money, food, energy or resources. It just so happened that the Philippians revived Paul’s depleted bank account.

Even the Apostle Paul with his tremendous faith in Jesus felt distress at times. The same man who exhorts us not to worry about anything also feels the pressure of life and welcomes the relief that comes when other Christians act in kindness toward us.

Do you feel the pressure? Jesus uses this same word ‘thlipsis’ in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation {thlipsis}; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Extra

Our Guatemala Mission Team is on the ground in El Tehar. They will be there for a week.

I hope you have a great Wednesday and thanks for reading the blog.