Life is filled with surprises, changes, and moments of trials. It is a part of life in this broken world we live in. Yet there are those moments of surprising joy which fill us with glimpses of glory. For those who do not even know God, He provides so much common grace so all can see His glory displayed. How wonderful to see the majestic beauty of God’s creation! The experiences of feeling loved or being able to love. When we realize the complexity of each human heart, body, and mind, the wonders of every part of nature: How can anyone deny God’s existence and presence. Only through Jesus might we have such joy that supersedes all else.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [e]principalities or [f]powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:15-20 NKJV
Joy that Supersedes Difficulties
Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV.
Have we learned that? How does my heart remain filled with joy. When work becomes hard. When finances take an upside downturn. Do we turn to Government? Or Friends? What about family? Where and how can we find joy that supersedes every difficulty of life? Can we see every circumstance as an opportunity rather than an upset? Essentially that is what Paul explains. If we recognize that every gift is from God and is an undeserved blessing. Amid even the most difficult things, we can look forward to His blessing and lean into His strength. How?
Philippians 4: (ESV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What does that look like?
Notice that Paul rejoices over the gift from the church of Philippi as so special. Whatever they were able to send Paul saw their sacrifice and their love in it. There had been a time in which they could not send anything. He understood that and wanted them to know he saw their hearts of love throughout. Furthermore, He recognized that their sacrificial giving would bring with it God’s blessings on them.
Particularly, their gift revealed to Paul that they had not abandoned him nor God during this time of imprisonment. He may have had moments of wonder over the months he had not heard from them. But now, God had renewed his hope and his joy.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[c] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Philippians 4:10 NKJV
How do we accomplish this in a busy world?
- Focus on Jesus. Sometimes I have found that the more I keep my eyes on Him whether by listening to worship music while I do things in the house or sermons playing in the background as I go to sleep.
- Morning and night take at least a moment to read one scripture and pray
- Pray as you drive, as you go to bed and when you get up. Continue to cultivate your prayer life until it becomes a part of your life. Talking with God throughout the day.
- Repent of sin as soon as it surfaces, so that you might remain always in the Spirit.
- Never forget the Holy Spirit is with you, inside you.
- God sometimes allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.
- Remember the love He has already bestowed on you. When you would start to feel frustration or anger, know He loves you and think of all the good things He has blessed you with.
Conclusion:
God has the best plan for each of us and He is Sovereign. He wants us to have His joy inside us always. For He is joy everlasting. That is Joy that supersedes any trial we might face momentarily. Then, finally just sing. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” Helen Howarth Lemmel
It is hard to feel depressed, frustrated, or sad when singing praises to God.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New English Translation (NET)
NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.