"Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did
not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking
the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance
as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!"
As I sit here to write this devotion I get a call from my sister with
terrible news – my brother and his wife lost their baby – just four weeks before
her due date – their first – Brianna is her name. Many of the details are not
yet known, but there are many tears of sorrow. I find things to be a bit ironic as I
ponder the words of Paul in Philippians. I struggle to find the joy Paul writes about in
his letter – the Christian joy that exists even in hardship.
As the elder, I know that I must maintain my composure and strength for
my sister. I share with her the scripture that I’m studying and remind her that the
Christian joy Paul writes about does not come from what we have or experience, but rather
it comes from Christ within us. In our sorrow we are being somewhat selfish because we did
not get to spend time with Baby Brianna. As I speak these words I realize that I’m
trying to convince myself as much as my sister. I hang up the phone. My husband checks in
on me – still composure.
But now I’m alone and the tears come. Even with all the will and
strength I have to find the joy, I am deeply sad. The new baby gown my mother made for the
shower tomorrow will be the only one Brianna will wear. More tears. Where’s the joy?!
I read on with Philippians …. Is it true that we can have contentment, serenity and
peace, no matter what happens, by depending on God’s strength and not our own? I
pause and pray…..
I close my eyes and see Brianna now, as an angel in heaven with her
beautiful baby smile looking into the eyes of our heavenly Father – isn’t that
the moment we are all waiting for? Brianna, – I can’t wait to hear you tell your
story. A glimpse of joy at last!
