What do the following words have in common? skepticism, suffering, collapse, problem, crisis, predicament, worry, difficult, trouble, foreclosure, recession.
These are all words that our President of 'hope' used in his speech last week. I listened to part of the speech but had to turn it off for fear of plunging into despair with words like that!
It's no wonder 'joy' is absent from the lives of most people. They have put their trust, faith and confidence in an economic system that can never provide the joy and fulfillment that people are longing for. The things happening before our eyes in our country is a distraction for even the Christian. Even we get caught up in the uncertainty of our times and we lose our joy, or worse yet, we let something else steal our joy.
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians partially because he was bursting with joy. Paul wasn't too concerned about the Wall-Street-type predicaments of his day - in fact, he mentioned how he'd learned to be content in whatever circumstance he found himself in. Here was a man under house arrest and he was able to maintain his joy and peace regardless of his circumstances.
What brought Paul joy?
1). Reflecting and remembering - Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God in all my rememberance of you". He no doubt was thinking of how Lydia and the Philippian jailer had been converted in Acts 16.
2). Praying for others - Philippians 1:4 - "always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all". Who doesn't find joy in praying for another brother or sister... especially when we start to see answers to our intercessory prayers?
3). Participating in the gospel - Philippians 1:5 - "in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now". Some of my greatest times of joy have been in sharing the gospel... whether it was a ministry trip to feed and clothe the homeless or doing a bible study in the local jail or delivering Christmas presents to kids whose dads were locked up in prison... or whatever ministry work took place... this is joyful and rewarding participation in the gospel.
4). Confidence in God to bring things to fruition - Philippians 1:6 - "for I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus". Paul had unwavering confidence that God would finish what He started. That really is our only hope, that God will not leave us hanging by a thread or leave us out on a limb. He will finish the work, and that should bring anyone the joy that might otherwise seem elusive.
5). Affection and love for other believers - Philippians 1:8 - "how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus". Paul wanted to be with his fellow Christians. He loved that kind of thing. I often find myself renewed, refreshed and encouraged after I've been with a Christian friend for breakfast. Fellowship with like-minded Christians is a source of great joy.
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Mark
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