Choosing Joy!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Paul wrote that verse while in prison, not while he was taking a beach vacation. Instead of being wrapped in a beach towel, he was wrapped in chains. Instead of viewing pretty sunsets, Paul faced the possible sunset of his life by execution—Nero style. In four brief chapters, Paul attempts to convince us that no matter our circumstances, believers can have joy. That we don’t have to live anxious lives. Instead, we can experience abundant peace in our hearts and minds.

But how can we arrive at joyful, anxiety-free lives, and incomprehensible peace? What’s the recipe? Paul provides the answers throughout Philippians.

Depending on your translation, the words joy and rejoice appear fourteen times in Philippians. Take time to read through the chapters and identify them all. When you read observe the common context.

The primary purpose of Paul’s writing is to thank the Philippian church for the gift sent to him while imprisoned in Rome. His heart is overflowing with gratitude. (Philippians 1:3-5). So, it comes as no surprise joy might be tied to our relationships. First, to our bond in Christ. Paul clarifies that his life is all about living for Christ. That our joy is centered in the Lord. He longs to be with Christ. (Philippians 1:21). However, his love for the saints convinces him to remain and share in their progress of joy in the faith. (Philippians 1:25).

Secondly, as we view the joy verses, we see a common thread of a relationship with one another.

Paul ties his joy, our own, and the joy of others in the following ways: 

• Because of our shared partnership in the gospel. (Philippians 1:4-6). Are you sharing the gospel with others and experiencing the joy it brings?

• The gospel was of foremost priority to Paul. Even when questioning the motives of some preaching Christ, he still rejoiced in the gospel going forward. Let God deal with the motives of others, and rejoice whenever you hear the gospel truth shared.

• We enhance the joy of others by how we live and model Christ. (Philippians 1: 26). We must always be mindful of how we imitate Christ before others.

• Our joy connects us to our like-mindedness and our humility. (Philippians 2:2-3). Discord and pride never produce joy in our lives.

• Service and sacrifice to others allow us to rejoice. (Philippians 2:17). “And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me” (Philippians 2:18). How are you serving and sacrificing for others? Two wonderful joy makers! Do you rejoice in the joy of others or just your own?

• Paul’s “joy” comes from his relationship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. His “crown” will be the lives he invested in. (Philippians 4:1). Who can you invest in?

• Paul rejoices in the renewed concern the Philippian church shows him. (Philippians 4:10). Are you concerned about others?

Moving on to anxiety. One emotion that steals our joy.

Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Reads pretty straightforward to me. Don’t be anxious over whatever you’re feeling anxious about. Simply pray with petition, add some gratefulness, and let God know your needs. And God will bring unimaginable peace over your heart and mind. It’s important to recognize, it doesn’t say God will give you all that you request.

Also vital is our understanding of the word petition. A petition is an essential part of a believer’s life. It reflects how much we trust God’s power, wisdom, and compassion. When we petition God, we seek his help and his guidance with our needs and what makes us anxious.

If we go back to chapter two of Philippians, Paul was eager (anxious) to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippian church. He served Paul’s needs well, and Paul desired to see the Philippians receive and honor him with joy. “Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety” (Philippians 2:28). We don’t know why Paul felt anxious over Epaphroditus’ return to Philippi. Perhaps because Epaphroditus almost died while helping Paul, and he felt an urgency to return him safely home.

Anxiety can come at us from any direction. Often, it’s resolved through simple prayer and trusting in Christ. Other times, we need to take action to determine what causes us anxiety. Like Paul did. Especially when we create what makes us anxious. God desires for us to learn and identify those areas and work through them. 

A practical step in that direction is to make a list of all the things causing you to feel anxious. I’ve done that and it helps me to pinpoint and address my anxious thoughts. I write them down and ask two questions.

1. Can I eliminate this situation causing anxiety?
2. How can I practically help my anxious thoughts when I feel them? For example, be on time places, don’t procrastinate, get more exercise, be more affirmative, get organized, finish a task, and so on. 
   

Paul continues to offer us help over our anxious thoughts in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.”

It’s pretty tough to squeeze in an anxious thought when we commit to setting our minds on all these things. When we fix our hearts and minds on the right things, then we experience God’s amazing peace! What are you setting your mind on?