The promise of your future redemption and current status as a “citizen of heaven” (Philippians 3:20-21) anchors everything you learn as you keep reading into Philippians chapter 4...it holds why you do not need to be anxious now, and it fuels all the ways you are told how to escape anxiety and pursue peace.
In light of your future redemption and your present tense citizenship in heaven, the following scriptures spell out your "R.S.V.P." to the invitation to face right now in your...
...R.elationships: (reference: Philippians 4:2-5)
Your heavenly citizenship is to a Kingdom united by One God who called us one in Him - knowing this you pursue the same unity in your relationships, here and now. When wronged by those who are supposed to love you...you grieve as you fight to take refuge in the promise of His coming. You don’t have to anxiously pursue your own justice. He is here now within you by His Spirit to heal...and He’s coming soon to make all things right.
...S.upplication: (reference: Philippians 4:6-7)
Your heavenly citizenship allows you continual access to God, knowing this you can turn all your anxieties over to God in prayer as you make known your urgent requests with thanksgiving.
...V.iewpoint: (reference: Philippians 4:8-9)
Your heavenly citizenship allows you access to His eternal Kingdom even while you live here on earth…knowing this you dwell on what is true in Heaven: His reality, His honor and righteousness...His purity and love and all reflections of the same here on earth.
...P.raise: (reference: Philippians 4:4)
The King of Heaven stepped down, put on flesh, bore your sin and buried it in His tomb. He rose again, proving death does not have the last word. He ascended to Heaven to give you the power and comfort of His Spirit to live here boldly as you eagerly await His return. He’s preparing a place for you and He’s bringing it soon. Even when it’s dark and nothing is right around you, He is...and in Him you have 10,000 reasons to worship.
Everything is impacted by the unseen reality of your citizenship in Heaven and the hope that one day soon it will all be seen.
Right now, things are not right.
Right now, things are broken...so broken.
Right now, you are here - on this fallen muddy earth.
You weep, grieving all that has been lost. You humbly and patiently seek wholeness in relationships. You pray with raw honesty and bold requests with thanks for the day He stepped down into this fallen, muddy mess so that one day He could return for you and make it all new.
You keep your head up, trusting and waiting eagerly for His return...‘cause you are a citizen of the Kingdom. It’s who you are now.
In this together...
#bafflingpeace,