Psalm 4 & Philippians 4 (Joy)

We're going straight to the point today: Joy.  How do I get it?

Well, you're lucky, because today we are in the best book of the Bible for how to have joy, and I would say even the best chapter.  Here are some things to think about as you read Philippians 4.

Verse 4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"  More than anything else, we can rejoice in Christ because of what He's done for us.  If you're like me, someone who has been following Christ for a while, we can begin to take this very simple fact for granted.  I have had to pray many times that He would make me more aware and grateful for what he did for me on the cross.  Sadly, I can all too easily take his death for granted. This week is the perfect time for us to ask Him to remind us exactly what he did for us.  We do not deserve this gift at all.  If you feel like you have lost some of the passion and gratefulness, ask Him to show you your sin.  And may you be filled with joy over-flowing once you see just how lost you were/are.

Verse 6: "Do not be anxious about anything..."  How quickly I read over that verse as well sometimes.  I have read it hundreds of times!  Yet, notice that this is a command.  Do not.  This tells me that worry is a choice, since He is able to command me not to do it.  We have no reason to fear or be anxious because we have a full trust in God, who says in Psalm 62, "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving."  If we serve and trust a God whose two main characteristics are power and love, then we can be sure that wherever we are, we are in a good place, and He's got this one. Don't worry.

Verse 6 continued: "with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  In other words, count your blessings.  If we can slow down and take time to remember all that God has done and given in our lives, we will be more likely to trust Him when the rough times come.  Speak these things that you're thankful for out loud to Him.  Don't rush past the little things -- nothing is too small for which to be thankful.  Allow these blessings and a spirit of praise to well up in your heart, and let satan hear where you are placing your trust!  Then let "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind" (vs. 7) as God whispers to you, See, I've done this before, and I've got this one, too. I'm right here with you.

Verse 8: "Whatever is right...think about such things."  I could talk about each word in verse 8, but today, we're focusing on the word 'right'.  The NLT uses the word 'true'.  Where does Truth come from? Christ.  As you are thinking, check yourself to make sure that what you're thinking today is actually true. Jesus is true; his word is true. Satan is the master at making you think the lies he places in your head are your thoughts and that they are true.  Any idea he plants in your mind will not be joy-producing.

Verse 11-12: "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty."  Here is one of satan's lies: that what we have will make us content and bring us joy.  Yet, we all know that within 24 hours of a purchase, and sometimes even sooner, the wave of giddiness has left us, and it's time to search for the next thing that might satisfy.  Let me assure you--it won't.  Satan wants us to continually try to find our contentment in 'stuff' until we're blue in the face, but Jesus says, Come to Me, and let me give you joy and contentment that are unshakable. The 'stuff' will never do it completely.

And how do we do all of this? Verse 13: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This seems to be a theme in this book, doesn't it?  Lean on Christ.  Ask Him for what you need, and He will supply it. Paul reminds us in verse 19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  Paul is speaking from experience.

True Joy exists regardless of our circumstances.  It doesn't mean we will never feel sad or discouraged. But when those moments come, and they will, we will look Up; and if we can't do it, we can ask God who will "lift up my head" himself (look at Psalm 3:3).  What a beautiful picture!

Do these reminders inspire joy in you today?  I sure hope so, because they do me!  But if the burden is too heavy today, let your God hold you and lift up your head, and may you find joy when you look at Him.