Philippians 3:1 "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe."
Repetition is the key to learning. Sometimes we repeat the same mistakes
because we did not learn from them the first time. But on the positive side,
repeating something helps instill it in our minds. Peter would say it in this
manner, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance
of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present
truth." (2 Peter 1:12) Throughout the Bible, in both Old and New
Testaments, we see things repeated. That is not just to fill space; rather, it
is for our learning. For instance, it is very important that we
understand "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and
earth." (Psalm 121:2) In this verse, David is reminding us that God
is our help, but also the importance of understanding that the same God who is
our help is also the One Who made heaven and earth. The fact of God being the
creator of all this universe is very important in our estimation of just how
powerful He truly is. If we lose that fact, then our estimation of God lessens.
Yes, it is important to be reminded of God's creative power and His
unconditional love and mercy which we call "grace". It is so
important to be reminded that His grace is so deep that the only true and pure
communication of that love was through the giving of His only begotten Son, our
Saviour, Jesus Christ. There is great joy in our hearts when we can call this
to our remembrance. Peter said, "I will stir your minds with these
facts." Paul said, it "is not grievous" to bring these
things to our remembrance, because "for you it is safe." That
word safe means we are secure in that knowledge and understanding. We have a
safe place in our hearts and minds in which we can retreat to be strengthened
within and without. When we can keep these things in our minds, we can rejoice.
Yes, repetition is the key to learning and understanding great and wonderful
truths of God's Word. I was hesitant to go back to this book of Philippians as
a source of these devotions because I had used this book a few years ago. But
even now as I read through it myself for the "umpteenth" time, I am
learning new things as I am reminded of Paul's writings. May we always
approach the Word of God as being new and fresh and needed and a secure place
for our hearts and minds.