READING: Ephesians 6, Philippians 1-4
Over the past several weeks, I have been teaching the book of Philippians to missionaries in another part of the world. Each week, I record about 10 minutes of study and application, and the folks can watch/listen to the recording at any point during the week. I first sought to do this task because I wanted to encourage cross-cultural workers, but reviewing Philippians has been challenging to me as well. It’s pushed me to look deeply into my heart.
You see, the book is filled with rejoicing and joy (depending on the version you’re reading, you will find a similar thought anywhere from 14-16 times)—but I’m not always filled with that joy. Sometimes I let sin rob me of my joy. At other times, it’s worry, or unfulfilled ambition, or failure, or even other people. What I do too often is allow myself to dwell on thoughts that hardly model Paul’s words: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things” (Phil 4:8).
What I’m reminded of today is that rejoicing is a choice as much as it is a response. Based on God’s forgiveness of my past, His care in my present, and His sure promises of the future, I have reason to rejoice. Indeed, I have reason to rejoice always.
And, if I ever forget that fact, I need to hear Paul “say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4).
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you rejoicing today?
PRAYER: “Give me faith and trust to rejoice in You today, Lord, no matter what I face.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Colossians 1-4, 1 Thessalonians 1-3