You know how you’re reading along in Scripture and come to a familiar verse or passage and then just beyond that verse you read something that catches your eye. You wonder, “How have I missed this verse?” I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.

It happened to me today. I was writing Philippians 4 and came across some pretty awesome and familiar verses.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 – NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 – NIV)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

Apart from getting all of those “whatever’s” in the correct order, you probably have these verses memorized or could summarize them. That’s how familiar and beloved these verses are to us. But Philippians 4:9 (NIV) has some elements to it that I feel are just as worthy.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

I love this under-appreciated, under-quoted verse. This verse reminds us that we have learned, received, heard and seen instruction through Scripture, messages and others that we are to put into practice for ourselves. It’s not enough to learn, receive, hear and see what God’s Word has to say. We must do something with it. And that “something” is moving toward living transformed lives.

So what is it that you have learned, received, heard or seen lately that needs to be put into practice? Maybe it is an idea from one of the verses above. Are you anxious? Scripture has a plan to get rid of this bad habit. Is your heart or mind in jeopardy of attack? Recall what Scripture tells you will guard your heart and mind and put it into practice. Do you find yourself thinking of things you shouldn’t? There’s a whole list of things you should be thinking about…put it into practice.

What we learn from Scripture must have an impact upon our lives. We must put it into practice in our own lives so that others might see Jesus through us. That’s what transformation is all about.

This verse also gives us a promise. “And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9b – NIV) What a blessing it is to know that God loves you and me so much that He desires to share His peace with us!

I pray that you will not overlook these obscure, beautiful verses. Read them over and over until they are familiar to you. Find the pieces of wisdom found in them. Learn, receive, hear and see all that God has for you each day. And then, put it into practice.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna