“And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness.”
Psalm 105:43
“The word ‘happiness’ evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Of course, everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees, and despair sets in.”
Joy is more significant than happiness. In contrast to happiness stands joy. Happiness is based on outward experiences, but joy is from within, and the true source of joy is Jesus Christ. The book of Philippians is a book of joy—it’s Paul’s joy letter. The concept of rejoicing or joy appears sixteen times in four chapters of the book. In verse four of our Bible passage, we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice.”
When a man finds true joy in Christ, he will constantly be in a state of rejoicing unto the Lord. We may not always be happy as humans, but we can always be joyful. So, let’s cultivate the attitude of giving thanks unto God. Even when we have a request to make unto God, let’s make our request known by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. This is the proper attitude of a man whose heart is filled with the joy of the Lord.
Our Bible passage also admonishes that we should think about positive things. The importance of positive thinking cannot be overemphasised in a Christian’s life. You can only perform up to your optimum level if you fill your thoughts with good thoughts.
Finally, how can a man obtain this joy of the Lord? It is by giving his life to Christ. A sinner does not have this joy. The joy of the Lord is only found in the heart of those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ. Giving your life to Jesus does not mean merely confessing His name with lips only; it involves a daily walk with God in truth and holiness. May the Lord constantly give us the grace to walk in holiness before Him, and may His joy never wane in our lives.
Study Philippians 4:1-23
Prayer
- Dear Lord, I am grateful for the joy you’ve deposited in my heart right from the moment I gave my life to you. Please, help me to guard this joy with my entirety.
- Lord, let your joy forever be my strength in everything I lay my heart and hands to do.
- Lord, I pray for as many as are yet to find this everlasting joy; please help them open their hearts, just like you helped Paul, to receive and live for you wholeheartedly.
This is our message for today, and we hope you were blessed. We’d also love to hear from you; please comment below.
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Have a blessed day!
