Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
If we look around us we have a hard time holding onto joy. We listen to the news and hear about the distress in our country and the world. There are so many without jobs and there seems to be no answer coming. Sickness, illness and death surrounds us and we see so many tragedies in the medical field; how can we possibly hold fast to joy? Physicians who have dedicated their lives to working hard caring for patients are being pushed out of practice by new policies and new insurance regulations. We look at the inequities that pay large amounts for entertainment; yet, underpay law officers and teachers while demanding more and more of them. We are pressed from every side by people who are anxious and depressed. There are moments when their unrest so invades our soul that our empathetic nature becomes like a sponge absorbing their pain into our very souls. Beyond that we may have our own financial and health issues which press us against the wall. Our guilt invades, maybe I should have done that better or maybe if I hadn’t helped that person; I would not be in this position. From chapter 4 of Philippians it appears that Paul is addressing the same issues with the people of Philippi. If you look further into the chapter he refers to the fact that they had recently sent to him a gift of items (food, clothing, etc) that he had been in need of. It had been a time period that they were so caught up in their own lack that they did not see his need. He commands them Rejoice in the Lord. If I truly believe that the God of the Universe is my friend and my Father through adoption, then why should I ever be filled with sorrow? Circumstances are mere circumstances, unless we see them through the eyes of our Heavenly Father who loves us. So many new wave preachers try to tell us that prosperity will be ours on earth if we "name and claim it"; as though, God were some great Santa Claus who hands us all the counterfeit joys we want so that we might trust in our possessions instead of trusting in our relationship with Him. The only thing that can bring us peace and joy is that relationship with Him in which we daily look to Him for today’s needs, today’s joy, today’s strength and today’s hope. We also have that hope in future grace which will hold us until one day He returns to take us home where our joy will overflow in the presence of His love. Here Paul reminds us when all that surrounds you looks dark and bleak, pray and let God’s peace then fill your hearts and minds. Then, think on those things that are true, honest, just, lovely, and virtuous. Be reminded of all things that you might praise God for today. Steady your mind. As you focus on those things and thank God for them, your own mind will turn to peace and joy. In this world that so desires to destroy our peace and our joy we must fight for joy. Spend time alone with God and His word. If you don’t understand the concept of "fighting for Joy"; I recommend that you read and study some of John Piper’s teachings. Let me give you this following outline of steps written by John Piper on January 1, 1995 concerning "How Shall We Fight for Joy" 1. Realize that authentic joy in God is a gift.
2. Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly.
3. Resolve to attack all known sin in your life.
4. Learn the secret of gutsy guilt – how to fight like a justified sinner.
5. Realize that the battle is primarily a fight to see God for who he is.
6. Meditate on the Word of God day and night.
7. Pray earnestly and continually for open heart-eyes and an inclination for God.
8. Learn to preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself.
9. Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight.
10. Be patient in the night of God’s seeming absence.
11. Get the rest and exercise proper diet that your body was designed by God to have.
12. Make a proper use of God’s revelation in nature.
13. Read great books about God and biographies of great saints.
14. Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others (witness and mercy).
15. Get a global vision for the cause of Christ and pour yourself out for the unreached.
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