Consistent Joy...

This morning as I excitedly began to un-pile the stack of various Bible translations on my desk, my eyes became riveted to point #4 under the “Characteristics” section on the opened summary page to the book of Philippians, in my NIV study Bible.  It stated that this book “is outstanding as the New Testament letter of joy; the word ‘joy’ in its various forms occurs some 16 times.”  This got me thinking about yesterday’s post where I mentioned how the Apostle Paul, as a prisoner, was writing to the Christians in the city of Philippi, encouraging them to think on good things.  Paul exemplified what he penned to his friends.  Even though church historians say that Paul wrote this letter during a period in his life where he was physically chained to a Roman soldier, day and night, for 4 years, he was not afraid for himself, neither was he worried about his circumstances. 

Paul faced every new day with an attitude of deep seated joy, without a care in the world, and while he was a unique individual with tremendous faith, he was no different than who you and I can be today!  That statement may bring up some disquieting thoughts among religious scholars, but to my way of thinking, he would not be encouraging us to do the same if we couldn’t aspire to it!

The 1828 Webster Dictionary defines “joy” as “the passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or EXPECTATION of good.”  Paul’s confident joy was not based upon the outcome of the circumstances that he was presently involved with.  His joy was cemented upon the foundation of his faith.  He said that “I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in” (Philippians 4:11 Gods Word ©).  This joy was directed from the inside, excited by his rock solid trust in his foundation.

Think about the potential of experiencing that consistent joy in your life.  A joy that does not bounce up and down depending on how you feel, but is securely entrenched upon the immutability of the foundation in which you have entrusted your life.  My foundation says in Psalm 119:160 that “there is nothing but truth in your word, and all your righteous regulations endure forever” (Gods Word ©) 

Forever… that’s a long time!  If your foundation is like mine, then anytime you need a little joy, all you need to do is to bring some of His words to your remembrance and those threatening cares will have to run away!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”  (hopefully your expectations will match up with what Mr. Webster wrote 183 years ago…)  See ya tomorrow!

PS:  I would love to hear from some of our friends reading this blog in Europe.  Please feel free to write a comment or email me at pastorjim@whatareyouexpecting.org