Our journey through life, at times filled with sorrows, pain and moments of distress; while we travel through an anxious world. Sometimes, we think this moment is the worst that could be in history; what with terrorism, oppression of Christians in many parts of the world, anger and violence here in the USA, disrespect of the law and the President by hearts filled with hate. However, when we look back over time; we see that following Jesus Christ always came with a price. Sometimes, the anxious world in which our hearts live remains ever close: worries about finances, fighting within families, loneliness, and feelings of rejection encircle our lives. Sometimes we live in prisons of our own making. What can we do? Paul prayed one sincere prayer of Joy to the church of Philippi during one of their most anxious times.
Let us learn from this prayer and the letter Paul wrote to this early church. Of all the churches which Paul had planted, the church of Philippi followed with great sincerity; despite, the very harsh road that lay before them. They had seen Paul imprisoned, even before their eyes for preaching the gospel. Furthermore, now he again wrote to them from prison. This time, the prison cell in Rome, far from their watchful eye. It had been 10 years since they saw him; yet, because of their faith and love, they remained faithful. Gathering what money, they could, they sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul. But, alas; he fell sick during that stay and they became anxious for his recovery. So, in the center of an anxious world; Paul wrote the letter to the church at Philippi to bring comfort and reaffirm joy; despite his own imprisonment.
BEGINNING WITH THANKS AND EXHORTATION
Paul began his letter by reminding them of their position in Christ Jesus, as saints. Then, he thanks them for their sincerity of faith, their dedication and reminds them of how much he misses them. His love for this church resounds in his opening words of this letter. As you read it, consider this: Who would you remember in your life that brought you such joy in thinking of them? Have you told them?
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1-8
ONE SINCERE PRAYER OF JOY
Then, Paul prays this prayer on their behalf.
this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Perhaps one of the most powerful prayers we can pray for ourselves and for others. Let my love abound more toward Jesus and toward others; because of His love growing in me. Let me every day seek to know Him more and to see the world through His eyes; judging the circumstances of my own life and the world; knowing that God’s plans for me are good, no matter how dark this anxious world may seem at any given moment of time.
Joy and Hope for an Anxious World
The only hope for peace and joy within our hearts, comes from God; through, the gift of Jesus Christ. Founded upon the truths of the gospel; we live lives filled with joy, knowing that God remains on His throne, His plan for those who accept His gift of salvation always remains for their good, our purpose remains secure in Him and our position stand firm as His Chosen, Blessed Beloved Children. The only question that remains: Do you know Jesus Christ as Your Savior and King?
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS:
[tweetthis]In an anxious world let us pray this one sincere prayer of joy as Paul did[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Our hope our strength our joy comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]With our foundation firm in the gospel of Christ, we have no fear[/tweetthis]
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I just released this new book dedicated to anyone who searched for love, lost a loved one, or felt the pangs of loneliness. Illustrated by Ronald Barba, this poem I wrote: tells the story of God’s ever abiding love even when facing tragedy and heartbreak. Available on Amazon.
RECOMMENDATION OF ARTIST
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .
You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.
featured photograph at beginning of post by permission of https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. 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.