Daily Devotion 10/02/25
My daughter had her first heart surgery the same week she was born and she resided in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for about a month. When she was finally discharged I had strict instructions to keep her well until her next surgery. I didn’t take her shopping, she didn’t go to church, and if I took her to a pediatric appointment we asked to sit in an exam room to avoid sick children in the waiting room. It held the paranoia of covid lockdown years before anyone knew what that was going to be like.
When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians he was imprisoned. Under what many think was more like house arrest, he could write letters but was unable to do the ministry work he wanted. He didn’t know what his future held.
That sounds incredibly familiar to me. I was under a house arrest of sorts to protect my daughter. It would have been entirely too easy to fall into depression or resent the beautiful girl for whom I was caring. It was also hard to know when or how to ask for help.
Let’s look at how Paul handled his situation. First, he remained in prayer. He thanked God for those keeping things going in his absence. Second, he was joyful. Paul was able to have joy despite his imprisonment. He acknowledged how God was going to continue to work through his brothers and sisters in Christ. Lastly, Paul remained in communication. He took the effort to tell people what he was experiencing.
My challenge for you:
Remain in prayer. Thank God for the opportunity to be a caregiver for your loved one and ask for people to help you carry the burden.
Choose joy. Happiness is reliant on pleasant circumstances, but joy is rooted in God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises in spite of our trials.
Stay in communication. Write, phone, zoom. Whatever works in your situation, but find someone who can encourage you in your faith and find someone who you can go to when you need help with errands, lawncare, or a meal.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for being with me even when I feel isolated. I thank you for the people you have placed in my life who are able to help me and guide me toward you in difficult times. Help me choose joy today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
