Joy to the World

"Rejoice in the Lord!" Philippians 4:4

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, our pastor spoke about joy. How appropriate as we approach the holiday season. So many things around us this time of year tend to steal our joy. Actually, we LET things steal our joy. And I am SO talking about myself!

Chip read from Philippians 4. Throughout the reading, there are practical ways to keep our joy so that we can "Rejoice in the Lord always!"

1. Resolve Conflict.

(vs. 2-3) "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

One thing that is interesting here is "whose names are in the book of life." These women were Christians. Yet, they were asked to agree with each other. There was a conflict here. Between two Christians. Imagine that! Ha! Conflict between ANYONE is very common today...just like it was in Biblical times. However, God asks us to resolve our conflict. Nothing steals our joy like conflict with another person. Conflict is acceptable. Jesus had conflicts. Unresolved conflict is unacceptable.

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15

" Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiving our debtors." Matthew 6:1

2. Be Nice.

(vs. 5) "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

Gentleness is a humble, patient spirit that can last through injustice. This does not mean we serve as a "doormat." Jesus had a gentle spirit - loving eyes. Be gracious because the Lord is near.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

" The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145: 18

3. Stop Worrying.

(vs. 6-7) " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

One thing that struck me hard is a statement Chip made: "Worry is practical atheism. You say you believe in God, but you don't. You don't trust Him enough to take care of this." By worrying, we are telling God that we don't trust Him to carry us through. This does not mean that we should not have feelings of concern over doctor's appointments, etc. This DOES mean that we trust Him completely to take care of the situation. He works all things together for good. He hasn't made a mistake yet. And, I don't anticipate Him making a mistake anytime in the future.

In verses 6 and 7, God says to

• PRAY - elevate God above self and circumstances.
• SUPPLICATION - Pour out our needs. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
• THANKSGIVING
• REQUEST - Make specific desires known.
  

Exalt God over your problem, and peace will sneak back into your life. That peace will guard you. Peace comes before you get an answer.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

4. Feed Your Mind Honorable Things.

(vs. 8) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Let your mind dwell on positive, pure, and honorable things. The WORD OF GOD is top of the list on what to dwell on.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:7-8)

When bad thoughts come, change the channel!

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

5. Do the Right Thing.

(vs. 9) "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

When you obey, God gives you himself - not just his peace.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Be joyful this holiday season!