Musings on Faith #3
The Joy of Christianity
The Joy of Christianity
Philippians 3:1 through 4:9 is one of the richest passages in the Bible in terms of the multitude of guideposts for life contained therein. Millions of sermons have been preached from the various verses or passages contained within this half-column of text, and I am sure we will visit it many times in this column. However, today I want to focus in on just one of those verses, Chapter 4, verse 4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (KJV)." Without even knowing the context of this exhortation of Paul, it is still one of those little verses which seem to reflect the totality of the Good News of Jesus Christ. But when we realize that when Paul wrote these words to the believers at Philippi, he was in a Roman prison, and facing the prospect of a cruel death at the hands of Caesar, they are more than remarkable. They are amazing!
The word "rejoice" is a variation on the word "joy". One of the most wonderful gifts God gives those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior is Joy. Some would say that joy is just another word for happiness, but for Christians Joy, the Joy that exists within us as believers, is far more than mere happiness. Happiness is circumstantial, and often fleeting. It is merely a feeling, albeit a good one. Joy, however, goes beyond
The word "rejoice" is a variation on the word "joy". One of the most wonderful gifts God gives those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior is Joy. Some would say that joy is just another word for happiness, but for Christians Joy, the Joy that exists within us as believers, is far more than mere happiness. Happiness is circumstantial, and often fleeting. It is merely a feeling, albeit a good one. Joy, however, goes beyond
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circumstance or feeling. Through Christ, we can have Joy in the midst of sorrow, difficulty or loss.
Paul had Joy in the environs of a harsh, nasty Roman prison. He had Joy in the face of possibly imminent death - and a cruel death at that, for the Romans sought to maximize suffering in their victims. If you are a Christian and yet do not have that Joy, given of God, which transcends circumstances, pray to the Father to help you to find that peace and understanding, that total acceptance of His love for you, that will allow you to discover and accept His Joy in your life.
Following his exhortation to Rejoice in the Lord, Paul went on to say, in verses 5(b) through 7, "The Lord is near. 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 minds in Jesus Christ (NIV)." Thus Paul first tells us to Rejoice always, then reveals why we should Rejoice, or to be filled with Joy. In fact, the last sentence of this passage is an excellent definition of Christian Joy. May that Joy be yours, always, in all circumstances!
Yours in Christ, Tom Woodard
circumstance or feeling. Through Christ, we can have Joy in the midst of sorrow, difficulty or loss.
Paul had Joy in the environs of a harsh, nasty Roman prison. He had Joy in the face of possibly imminent death - and a cruel death at that, for the Romans sought to maximize suffering in their victims. If you are a Christian and yet do not have that Joy, given of God, which transcends circumstances, pray to the Father to help you to find that peace and understanding, that total acceptance of His love for you, that will allow you to discover and accept His Joy in your life.
Following his exhortation to Rejoice in the Lord, Paul went on to say, in verses 5(b) through 7, "The Lord is near. 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 minds in Jesus Christ (NIV)." Thus Paul first tells us to Rejoice always, then reveals why we should Rejoice, or to be filled with Joy. In fact, the last sentence of this passage is an excellent definition of Christian Joy. May that Joy be yours, always, in all circumstances!
Yours in Christ, Tom Woodard
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