Joy in Every Circumstance
Philippians 4:4-6 says “Rejoice in the Lord always:
and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all mean. The Lord
is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (KJV).
Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison.
How could anyone in prison tell someone to rejoice? It is this attitude that
many of us should have. Believers should be full of joy. You may be saying that
I am happy; however, there is a major difference between joy and happiness.
Happiness is based on condition; our mood, status, state of mind. In other
words, happiness is momentary. On the contrary, joy is everlasting. Joy is the
attitude or feeling of permanent peace because we know everything will work out
for our good. We can be full of joy amidst the many struggles we are enduring.
It is extremely difficult to be happy at all times. Paul knew, while in prison, he would be fine.
His greater reward was in heaven. Here is a man that all throughout the course
of his ministry has been persecuted, second guessed, and now imprisoned. Anyone
would have given up under these circumstances. Paul chose to lock into his
assignment and spread the gospel as Christ saw fit. Joy is an expression of faith
and an indication that Christ dwells
in us.
The key to this passage is in verse 6. Do not to worry about any circumstance (the
national debt crisis, unemployment, money to pay bills, etc.), but let your
requests be made unto God. Paul tells us
to pray and petition God with thanksgiving. God has delivered us out of so many
other pressing issues. So we are to publicly acknowledge or express gratitude
for the things he has already done in our lives. We shouldn’t relegate God to a
genie in a lamp. We must continue to have high regard for Him. Someone said to
me once, “if you’re going to pray, don’t worry; if you’re going to worry, don’t
pray.” This statement reflects the lifestyle full of joy that we should live.
There’s no need to worry, God’s got it. He’s done it for us time after time, so
why would he fail now? Whatever it is,
give it to God and believe that he will bring you out.
Grace and Peace,
Minister Kenneth Scott, Jr.
Victorious Faith Christian Center
Joy is something that we should all aspire to have but never try to fake. When we have faith in God within our situations, the result is joy. Paul learned to be content in every situation. I think that is a good start for anyone