To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:1-6

Joy – three simple letters yet such an impact it can have on oneself and others. Paul was in prison but he didn’t let his outward circumstances affect his inward joy which he found in Christ. Instead, he wanted to share that joy with others, especially the people of Philippi. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I’m having a bad day, I think everybody else should be having a bad day as well. I know, not a good attitude to have, but I sometimes feel like Eeyore with that little rain cloud just above my head and I can’t figure out how the sun is shining on others, when clearly it’s a dark and dreary day. Not Paul. He never had that attitude or if he did, it was only for a fleeting moment. He focused on the JOY that is found in the Lord.

The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed; they were helping to spread the Gospel. They had first heard the Gospel 10 years earlier when Paul and his companions visited Philippi. The Philippians helped Paul financially and they also served as God’s hands and feet, helping to spread The Good News.

Paul also shares good news with all of us in verse 6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! God isn’t finished with us just yet. Just because I have an Eeyore day today, doesn’t mean I will have one tomorrow. God is still working on me and He’s still at work in you. Happiness is determined by our circumstances, but JOY comes straight from God. It is the confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives – that He will be there for us no matter what. I need that reminder every single day!! This week will you join me in finding JOY in all that comes our way? If you start to see that dark cloud appear over you like Eeyore, remember God is there with you through it all – focus on Him and the JOY that only He can bring.

Prayers

Father God, help us Lord to have JOY every single day. Grant us wisdom and faith to focus on You and Your plans You have for us. Lift up our eyes and hearts to You oh Lord. We love you and we thank you. Amen.