September 29
Isaiah 57:15-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10
Today we begin the book of Philippians, a book centered on joy. This initially seems like a shocking central idea for a letter written by a man who is suffering in prison. Of all the circumstances that would seem to drain joy, being arrested and placed in chains would seem to be one that would kill joy. Yet throughout this letter, Paul maintains his joy remains and describes a life completely saturated by it. He prays with joy (v.4). He is filled with joy as he thinks about the gospel going throughout the world (v.18). He has joy because he knows that God is faithful to his promises (v.19). Having Christ-centered relationships fuels his joy (v.26). He takes all the good things that God has done in his life and around the world and uses them to fill up his joy.
A helpful definition of joy is delighting in God and in his good gifts. No matter the hardships we face, we can remain committed to delighting in God and his love and faithfulness despite our trials. This can only be true if joy is derived from our relationship with God and not our immediate circumstances. As we continue through the rest of Philippians, I would encourage you to notice the reasons that Paul finds to rejoice and learn to emulate this attitude regardless of your situation in life.
God my Father, thank you for the joy which you make available to me today. Thank you that through your Spirit and the work of your Son, I can experience joy in all situations. Help me to experience that reality today. Amen.
Question of the day: What can you do today to experience greater joy?
Today we begin the book of Philippians, a book centered on joy. This initially seems like a shocking central idea for a letter written by a man who is suffering in prison. Of all the circumstances that would seem to drain joy, being arrested and placed in chains would seem to be one that would kill joy. Yet throughout this letter, Paul maintains his joy remains and describes a life completely saturated by it. He prays with joy (v.4). He is filled with joy as he thinks about the gospel going throughout the world (v.18). He has joy because he knows that God is faithful to his promises (v.19). Having Christ-centered relationships fuels his joy (v.26). He takes all the good things that God has done in his life and around the world and uses them to fill up his joy.
A helpful definition of joy is delighting in God and in his good gifts. No matter the hardships we face, we can remain committed to delighting in God and his love and faithfulness despite our trials. This can only be true if joy is derived from our relationship with God and not our immediate circumstances. As we continue through the rest of Philippians, I would encourage you to notice the reasons that Paul finds to rejoice and learn to emulate this attitude regardless of your situation in life.
God my Father, thank you for the joy which you make available to me today. Thank you that through your Spirit and the work of your Son, I can experience joy in all situations. Help me to experience that reality today. Amen.
Question of the day: What can you do today to experience greater joy?
Recent
Archive
2025
January
January 1January 2January 3January 4January 5January 6January 7January 8January 9January 10January 11January 12January 13January 14January 15January 16January 17January 18January 19January 20January 21January 22January 23January 24January 25January 26January 27January 28January 29January 30January 31
February
March
Categories
no categories
No Comments