“A kind of partnership”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Quiet Time – Friday, February 16, 2024 Philippians 4:1-9 (Forward, p. 18) CEV p. 1230
Tensions, problems, and issues are the ‘stuff’ of human life and are natural and to be expected. Even so, they are not always pleasant, and certainly are not the kind of things that we relish, much less want to persist.
The apostle Paul begins with something that most church people know all too well. Two of its ardent workers, two women by the name of Euodia and Syntyche, are at cross purposes with each other. Paul admonishes them to stop arguing with each other. Paul describes them as being ‘fellow workers together with him’, but doesn’t give any details. I like to think of them as being two of the church kitchen ladies, two people perhaps with differing approaches or ideas of how the work should be done and organized, and who are now ‘getting in each other’s hair. (Their ministry could well be in other areas, but, from experience, the kitchen is often a source of varied opinions.)
Anyway, Paul begs them to put their differences aside and get along. However, here he offers a very helpful word of advice. He addresses a fellow by the name of Syzygus (which means ‘true yokefellow’) to come alongside these two women and help them. My guess is that these women feel harried, stressed, and overworked. They probably feel as if the entire load has fallen their shoulders, and on they alone. And so, the offer and provision of help would be most welcome. (Here, I think of the inevitable ‘last tag’ help that is invariably needed—and often absent—at the end of a church supper or garage sale. Yes, the extra help is most appreciated at a time like this, so get in there Mr. Syzygus, and lend a hand.) And so, it is a kind of partnership.
However, Paul doesn’t end his advice there. Amid our worries, problems, and pressures, he reminds them of the Lord’s presence and help. Indeed, he says, they can always go to Him in prayer, trusting that He will take care of things and thanking Him for it. In fact, He says that they will thereby gain a peace that will settle—'mount guard’ is the actual phrase--both their
frantic minds and their harried emotions. And so, what a partnership this is, one between God and ourselves! And, as if this is not enough, they are to focus, not on their problems or stressors, but on what is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper, which again makes that divine human partnership all the more doable and effective.
Forward notes: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (verse 6).
“This verse gives us a powerful reminder to turn to God when we feel anxious or overwhelmed. Anxiety can be all-consuming, making it difficult to focus on anything other than worries and fears. It can leave us feeling helpless and alone. But in this verse, Paul encourages us to bring our anxieties to God through prayer and petition.
“Furthermore, Paul instructs us to approach God with thanksgiving. Amid our anxieties, it can be easy to forget about the blessings in our lives. However, giving thanks to God can shift our perspective and help us see the good that is present even in difficult times.
“I have found that practicing gratitude is a powerful antidote to anxiety. Gratitude and mindfulness help me foster a sense of peace and contentment, allowing me to trust more fully in God’s plan for my life.”
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