(Philippians 4:10-13) “Now I rejoice in the Lord greatly, because once again you have shown your concern for me. Of course, you were concerned for me but you did not have an opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in.”
“I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:4-5) “Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing! Let your gracious attitude be known to all people. The Lord is near:”
Joy is something that can be learned through a change of attitude towards life. It is your attitude that changes people and circumstances around you and brings you true joy. If you don’t believe me, try not to smile next time you see a baby laugh. Joy, laughter, and a smile are infectious. No matter what you are facing, those few moments of joy make you forget completely all your troubles. When was the last time you sat with your family and just laughed while watching a movie or a TV show?
People need to learn how to be joyful on a daily basis. One can be in a prosperous job, part of a large family, or popular with many friends and still never ever truly find joy in life. We see this with the increasing amount of suicides not only among celebrities but the youth that hides their deep depression behind fake posts and selfies. Even modern psychology has warned us about how young people have started to evaluate themselves based on the amount of ‘likes’, ‘views’, and ´followers´ on social media.
Something is wrong with a modern society where people are constantly changing jobs, careers, and even spouses. Everyone is comparing what they have with each other and thinking that their personal situation is worse. They have learned to live a fake life, and being humble is laughed at. If you don´t take a cruise, a trip to a popular city, or to some exotic paradise, then you are a nobody.
When we walk with Christ, we learn to live a life beyond the material possessions or the approval and opinions of others. Christ teaches us how to value the simple things in life, how to find joy in every situation, and thus help others to also find hope in their situation.
When Apostle Paul instructs us to keep on rejoicing, he was writing this while in prison for preaching the Gospel. He had learned no matter what the situation, to be content and understand that this is not the end and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He truly had learned how to be content having an abundance or being in lack. His focus was on the fact that Christ is returning soon and therefore there was no time to waste being miserable.
You can either waste your life feeling sorry for yourself or you can enjoy every moment and through your attitude attract others to Christ.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess to You, O! God. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. The earth is full of Your possessions.
• Thank You, Father, that we can find Joy in every situation in life.
• Thank You for making us strong through Christ to face any challenge.
• Forgive us for not appreciating the simple pleasures of life.
• Forgive us for comparing ourselves with others or for seeking their approval in all we do.
• Forgive us for trying to impress others and for being drawn into the fashion of false posts that don’t bring glory to You.
• We decide today to rejoice in every situation and to bring joy in the life of others around us.
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• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty name. Amen