Got Joy? (A guest post)

 Caleb Whiteley taught a Bible study on joy from the book of Philippians several weeks ago. Below is a brief summary of the second lesson that he didn't get to teach in person. 

Got Joy?

by Caleb Whiteley 

How can we have true joy? The world constantly seeks meaning, hope, happiness, joy, and the world always falls short, reverting to short-term pleasures and godless conclusions. Looking through Paul’s prison letter to the Philippians, his joy overflows and one overwhelming focus shines forth from the pages. GOD! God is referred to 82 times in the 104-verse letter. Within this number, Paul references God as God, Christ, Spirit, Lord, or by pronouns referring to Him. Clearly, God is at the center of Paul’s life, and from this life-focus flows joy in every circumstance.

What is joy? True, biblical joy does not always walk hand-in-hand with good present conditions. Joy is not the same as fleeting happiness. As John MacArthur put it, “Happiness is a response to circumstance. Joy is a response to a relationship.” Paul said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content”, and he did this not on his own strength but through God who gave him strength! (Phil. 4:11, 13) True joy is a multifaceted reality of peace in Christ, exultation towards Him, hope in His promises, and emotional and mental glorying in God, the gospel, and God’s work in others.

So, how do you become joyful? First, you must be saved. Without Christ as the foundation for your joy, you will be hopelessly wandering. When saved, God’s Spirit resides in you, and one of the fruits of this is joy! (Gal. 5:22). You must yield to the Holy Spirit, and He will produce this joy in you (Phil. 2:12-13). Focus on growing in Christ-centered joyfulness by pursuing unity in your relationship with other believers (Phil. 2:1-2). Prayerfully seek to recognize God’s providential provisions in life and trust His perfect purpose in trials (Jam. 1:2). Instead of worrying, pray to God with thanksgiving making request over your concern, and His peace will follow (Phil. 4:6–7). To be a joyful Christian, follow Christ’s humble example and live with an eternal perspective — looking heavenward! (Heb. 12:2)

Practical steps to focus your mind on Christ, in whom our joy is found:

Take time this week to highlight each reference to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in the letter to the Philippians to see the all-encompassing focus of Paul’s life. Listen to music that encourages you to look heavenward as you go throughout your day. Let the melody throughout the day call your minds to God’s truth, and your hearts to the affection of Christ with whom true joy is found!

“O God, My Joy”                                https://youtu.be/Bhp1hU433dk?feature=shared