Few things are as frustrating as adversity! Just when we are making progress, something hinders us. Worst of all, sometimes the affliction comes from those closest to us. But when Paul faces adversity - even from believers - he rejoices in the advance of the gospel! His focus on our mission keeps him from getting derailed by hardships.

What do you want most in life? Ask yourself, "What do I pray for?" Our prayers reveal our strongest desires. Paul said, "To live is Christ." The most important thing was to live like Jesus, so that's how he prayed for the Philippian believers. The greatest desire believers ought to have is to glorify God by growing into the image of Christ, and it ought to be the way we pray for one another.

"I have you in my heart." I'm sure you can say that about some people in your life. But could you say it about everyone in the church? In his opening to the letter Philippians, the Apostle Paul says that he loves them all in this way. What created such love and affection? Paul's relationship with them was rooted in the gospel.

There's nothing heavier than the weight of sin. Our sin hurts others, destroys relationships, and worst of all, cuts off our fellowship with God. The guilt of it all turns our stomachs and weighs heavily on our shoulders. But Psalm 106 reminds us that God's steadfast love is greater than our sin. Because of His steadfast love, we must turn to God, confess, and restore our relationship with Him.

We can't see the future. It is just one big question mark to us - a fuzzy unknown - and that can leave us feeling anxious and afraid. Instead, Psalm 105 teaches us to look at the past and to see the faithfulness of God. When we remember His faithfulness, we replace worry with worship. Praise the Lord Who Keeps His Promises.

Is your world falling apart? Maybe it's the circumstances around you - politics, family, employment. Maybe it's within you - health, emotions, or spiritual life. When we feel this way, it's time to worship the One who holds it all together. Psalm 104 reminds us that God made everything, and He holds everything together. He is the King of the universe, and all creation declares the glory of God.