Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:4-13)

Have you ever heard of doom-scrolling? That’s what they call it when you sit there on your phone or tablet, reading the terrible, depressing news from around the world—and getting more and more depressed with every story. And somehow we never seem to run out of bad news—the algorithms just keep serving up more and more for us to get upset about. It isn’t good for us.

Against that, Paul gives us this advice: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” And while we can think about any good thing God gives to us, of course the greatest gift is Jesus Himself.

Because these words fit Him, don’t they? True, pure, honorable, lovely—and certainly worthy of praise! How else should we describe the One who came down from heaven to become one of us, and to rescue us from the power of evil?

And to do it the way He did, too—at the cost of His own suffering and death. I never could have imagined God doing things that way—and for what? To rescue His enemies! But His heart has always been turned toward us. And so Jesus died and rose from the dead—making Himself the Source of everlasting life for all of us who trust in Him, who are now God’s dearly loved children.

There is so much good news here for us—and it will never end. We can explore it till the end of time, and there will still be more for us to enjoy.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, You are good, true, and utterly lovely. Thank You for making me Your own. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. What other descriptive words would you use for Jesus?
2. When you consider how He loves you—what words do you think He would use to describe you?
3. Where can you learn more about this wonderful Good News—and share it with others?

Today's Readings:

Hosea 1-4
Romans 14

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