Joy and Contentment

 

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:24... "I don’t mean that we are trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own happiness." He and his fellow workers were striving for the happiness of the believers. Paul was not attempting to manipulate their faith, but rather standing in solidarity with them. This passage is a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of companionship and community. When we are surrounded by others who are striving for our own joy and contentment, we can find peace and fulfillment.

This passage encourages us to accept the help of those around us and to be open to support in times of need. We need to remember that we are not alone in our struggles and that there are people who genuinely care about our wellbeing. The comfort and encouragement from others can help us to stay strong in our faith and to find joy amidst difficult circumstances.

When we have the support of our community, we can face anything with confidence. We can stand firm in our beliefs, knowing that we are surrounded by people who have our best interests at heart. This reminder can help us to find joy and peace even in the most trying of times. In the same way that Paul and his fellow workers were striving to bring joy to their readers, we too can bring joy to those around us. Let us strive to be workers for each other’s happiness and support one another in faith.

Remember... Be joyful in everything you do!

Discouragement Comes, And That's Okay!

Sometimes we get discouraged.  That is a part of life.  But, it is how we handle this discouragement that helps us grow and show our faith in God.

Here is how I taught my children to handle discouragement…

• Acknowledge the feelings you are experiencing.
• Figure out what caused you to be discouraged.
• Decide what you can do to feel better.  (usually, talking to someone about how you feel works)
• Get an understanding of what you can do the next time something like this happens.
• Learn a lesson from this moment.
• Remember a previous moment of discouragement and how God helped you get over it.
• Remind yourself that this too will pass.
• Pray and ask God to help you through this moment of discouragement.
• Praise God that this moment will praise.
• Quote Psalm 147:3…
  God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Remember, you cannot control what happens all the time, but you can control how you respond to what happens.


Be joyful.

They Help Us Grow

John 16:33 (NASB) says… “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
 

This tells us that we will encounter problems, trials, sadness, grief, and the like.  But, we can still have joy, because Jesus is with us and He will help us through it.  We just have to depend on Him.
James reminds us in James 1:2-4 to consider it joy, when we have problems, trials, sadness, grief, and the like… When we face these obstacles, they help us grow… they test our faith, which helps us endure.  So, we must remember to let our trouble be opportunities to grow our faith and develop our endurance.
In these moments…  God is making us better through our troubles, so we should be joyful that we are growing faith, becoming stronger, and developing our endurance.
 

Be joyful!

Doing Good Will Bring You Joy

In 2 Timothy 2:21, the Bible teaches us an important lesson about how to live our lives in a way that pleases God. This verse tells us that we should strive to be pure and holy and to stay away from evil. When we do this, we become special in God's eyes and are able to do good deeds that are pleasing to Him.

In order to make ourselves pure and holy, we must take the time to examine our lives and determine what areas need improvement. We must search our hearts and minds for any thoughts or actions that are not pleasing to God and strive to change them. This can be a difficult but rewarding process. As we work to become pure and holy, we draw closer to God and develop a deeper understanding of His love for us.

In addition, 2 Timothy 2:21 reminds us of the importance of doing good deeds. When we are able to do good deeds, we show God that we are actively seeking to follow His will. Doing good deeds can be anything from helping out a neighbor to donating to a good cause. Every act of kindness is an opportunity to glorify God.

Ultimately, 2 Timothy 2:21 encourages us to strive for purity and holiness in our lives and to do good deeds for the glory of God. As we do this, we become special in God’s eyes and can enjoy the blessings that come from living in accordance with His will.

Remember... Be joyful!

Strive to Find Joy!

This is the end of our series on Philippians 4:4-8!

In this week-long series, we have discussed the importance of this passage in the context of the Bible, and how its message of joy, peace, and contentment can help us to live our lives more fully and with greater purpose.

In Philippians 4:4-8, Paul encourages us to find joy in all circumstances, to be content with what we have, and to choose peace over worry and anxiety. He also reminds us that by doing these things, we are able to share our joy with others, and be a source of comfort to those in need.

As we conclude our series, it’s important to remember that the joy and peace that comes from following the teachings of Philippians 4:4-8 is not just for us as individuals, but for everyone around us. When we live in joy and peace, we bring those same qualities to our relationships, our work, and our communities. We become a beacon of light for those who need it most.

As we end this series, let us remember the words of Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV)]

May we all strive to find joy, peace, and contentment in our lives, so that we can share it with those around us.

Joy is A Gift!

Joy is something that is precious and often hard to come by. While it can be fleeting, the Bible tells us that it is something that can be experienced in a deeper, more meaningful way. Let's explore what joy is and how we can experience it according to Philippians 4:8.

1. Joy is not just a feeling: In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us that joy is more than just a feeling; it is a choice. He encourages us to focus on the “good, honorable, and right” instead of what is “evil.” When we do this, we can experience joy even in difficult times.
2. Joy is a present moment mood: Joy is rooted in the present moment, and it doesn't require us to have everything figured out. When we focus on what's in front of us—the blessings, the beauty, the small moments of joy—we can experience true contentment and peace.
3. Joy is connected to gratitude: Experiencing joy can be difficult if we focus too much on what we don't have. Instead, we should be thankful for what we do have and be grateful for what we have been given. When we look at our lives through the lens of gratitude, joy can become more accessible.
4. Joy is rooted in faith: Joy is not something that we can manufacture on our own; it is a gift from God. When we place our trust and hope in Him, He can fill us with an unending source of joy.
5. Joy is a form of worship: When we choose joy, we are showing our faith and devotion to God. This can be done through praising Him, singing, and being thankful for the blessings He has given us.
6. Joy is contagious: Joy can be shared with others and can bring us closer together. When we share our joy with those around us, they can be encouraged and uplifted, creating a stronger bond with them.
7. Joy can be a source of strength: Joy can be a powerful source of strength, helping us face difficult times with courage and hope. It can also give us the motivation to keep going when it feels like everything is against us.
8. Joy is an act of obedience: Joy can be an act of obedience to God and a way for us to show our love

Joy is a gift from God that can be found in many different places. Focusing on the things that bring us joy and having an attitude of faith and gratitude can help us to experience the joy of life.

Joy Is…

Click here to view all the posts from Joy Week!

Philippians 4:8 is one of the most beloved and widely-quoted verses in the Bible. Not only does it remind us of the importance of having a positive outlook on life, it also serves as a reminder of God’s power and grace. In this blog post, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this powerful passage and how it can be applied in our daily lives.

1. Joy is found in the Lord - Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” This verse tells us that when we focus our thoughts on what is good and true, joy can be found.
2. Joy is independent of circumstances - Joy is independent of our circumstances, but rather on our relationship with God. This means that even in difficult times, we can still find joy in the Lord, because He is always with us and His love for us is unchanging.
3. Joy is something we can choose - We can choose to focus on the blessings we have, rather than our struggles. This doesn't mean that we ignore our struggles, but rather that we focus on the good, and thank God for His faithfulness.
4. Joy is a gift from God - Joy is a gift from God, and we can only experience it when we open our hearts to Him. We need to make a conscious effort to turn to Him and trust in His goodness and love.
5. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit - Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is a sign of the presence of God in our lives. We can experience joy when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, and when we choose to obey His commands.
6. Joy is a sign of our faith - Joy is a sign of our faith, and it is a reminder that God is with us, even in the tough times. Even when things seem impossible, we can still have joy, because we know that God is in control.
7. Joy is a sign of hope - Joy is a sign of hope, and it is a reminder that God is always with us, and that He will never leave us. We can have joy in the midst of hard times, because we know that God will bring us through it.
8. Joy is an expression of love - Joy is an expression of love, and it is a reminder that God loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. We can experience joy when we draw closer to God and when we spend time in His presence.

Philippians 4:8 is a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace. It encourages us to stay positive, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This passage can serve as a source of strength and hope in our lives, and it’s a beautiful reminder of God’s presence and power. May we all strive to keep Philippians 4:8 in our hearts and minds as we navigate through life.

Experience God's Peace and Joy

Philippians 4:7 is a well-known bible verse that reminds us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God". In other words, we should rely on God for our needs, and be thankful for all the blessings He has given us.

1. Rely on God for your needs: Philippians 4:7 tells us to look to God for our needs. We should trust that He will provide for us and take care of us. When we rely on God, we can be sure that He will answer our prayers and provide us with the things we need.
2. Be thankful for all your blessings: We should be thankful for all the blessings God has given us. He has blessed us with so much, and we should be grateful for all that He has done for us. We should thank Him for His love, mercy, and grace.
3. Pray with supplication: We should pray with supplication, which means we should ask God for something specific. We should ask Him for the things we need and desire, and we should also ask for His guidance and protection.
4. Give thanks: We should also give thanks to God for His love and mercy. We should thank Him for all that He has done for us, and for all the blessings He has given us. We should thank Him for His grace and for all the ways He has helped us in our lives.

Philippians 4:7 is a reminder to us to rely on God for our needs and be thankful for all the blessings He has given us. We should pray with supplication, and give thanks to God for His love and mercy. By following this verse, we can trust in God and experience His peace and joy.

Take A Moment

Philippians 4:6 is a wonderful reminder from the Bible that encourages us to take a moment to pause and reflect on our thoughts. This verse encourages us to replace any anxious or fearful thoughts with those that are peaceful and filled with joy. Let’s take a closer look at this inspiring verse and the importance of replacing thoughts of fear and anxiety with those of peace and joy.

1. Understand the Meaning of Philippians 4:6: Philippians 4:6 reads “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse encourages us to take our worries and anxieties to God and trust Him to provide us peace and joy in our lives.
2. Accept God’s Promise of Peace and Joy: When we present our worries and anxieties to God with thanksgiving, He promises us peace and joy in return. This doesn’t mean our worries and anxieties will disappear, but God will provide us with the strength and guidance we need to face them.
3. Replace Fearful Thoughts with Peaceful Ones: Philippians 4:6 encourages us to replace our fearful thoughts with peaceful ones. When we’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, we can take a moment to pause and focus on God’s promises of peace and joy. This will help us to stay grounded and focus on what’s truly important.

Philippians 4:6 is a powerful reminder to turn to God in times of distress and anxiety. By replacing our fearful thoughts with those of peace and joy, we can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God will provide us with the guidance we need.

Cultivate A Spirit of Contentment and Joy

 In Philippians 4:5, the Apostle Paul encourages us to have a spirit of contentment and joy, regardless of our circumstances. He tells us to “let your gentleness be known to everyone.” This verse serves as a reminder that God wants us to be kind and gentle to others, even during difficult times.

First, Paul reminds us that contentment is a choice and a decision we must make. We must choose to trust God and find our joy in Him, instead of relying on our own strength or striving for more. This can be difficult at times, but it’s an important reminder that God is ultimately in control and we must trust Him.

Second, Paul encourages us to be gentle and kind to others. In today’s world, it can be easy to be critical and impatient with those around us. But Paul reminds us that we are to show gentleness and kindness to all. We must remember that we are all imperfect and in need of God’s grace.

Finally, Paul reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances. Even when life is hard, we can still choose to be thankful. We can choose to be thankful for the small things, like a kind word or a beautiful sunset. Being thankful will help us focus on the good in our lives and have a spirit of contentment and joy.

In Philippians 4:5, Paul reminds us to have a spirit of contentment and joy, regardless of our circumstances. He encourages us to trust God, be gentle and kind to others, and be thankful for all the good in our lives. May we all strive to live out this verse and remember to be gentle and kind to those around us.

Be Joyful in All Circumstances

 Philippians 4:4 is a powerful Bible verse that encourages us to be joyful in all circumstances. It tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” This verse serves as a reminder that even in times of difficulty and struggle, we can still find joy in our relationship with the Lord. In this blog post, we will discuss three ways that we can apply this verse to our lives.

The first way we can apply this verse to our lives is by recognizing that joy comes from within. We cannot rely on external sources of happiness, such as money or possessions, to bring us true joy. Instead, we must recognize that our joy comes from within, and that it is rooted in our relationship with the Lord. When we have faith and trust in God, we can find joy in all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be.

The second way we can apply this verse to our lives is by focusing on the positive. We often allow negative thoughts and emotions to cloud our judgement, but Philippians 4:4 reminds us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” This means that we should try to look for the positive in every situation and find joy in it, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

The third way we can apply this verse to our lives is by being thankful. We should be thankful for the blessings and opportunities that God has given us, and we should be thankful for the struggles and hardships that we face, because they can help us to grow and learn. We should also be thankful for the relationships that we have and the people who support us.

Philippians 4:4 is a powerful reminder to be joyful in all circumstances. We can apply this verse to our lives by recognizing that joy comes from within, focusing on the positive, and being thankful for the blessings we have been given. May we all strive to live by this verse and find joy in our lives.

Joy is an Emotion

Joy is a feeling of pleasure, contentment, and satisfaction that comes from within us. In Philippians 4:4-8, the Apostle Paul speaks of joy in terms of peace and contentment in the face of adversity.

In verse 4, Paul encourages his readers to “rejoice in the Lord always.” This means that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can find joy in praising God. We can find joy in praising God even when life is difficult, because He is faithful and will provide us with comfort and strength in our time of need.

In verse 5, Paul instructs us to “let our gentleness be known to all men.” This means that we should be kind and gentle in our dealings with others. When we show love and kindness to those around us, we can experience joy in knowing that we are making a positive difference in their lives.

In verse 6, Paul reminds us that we should “not be anxious” about anything. Even in the midst of difficult situations, we can find peace and joy in trusting God and relying on His promises. He will provide us with strength and guidance if we are willing to turn to Him.

In verses 7 and 8, Paul encourages us to “think on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.” This means that we should focus on the positive aspects of our lives and be thankful for the good things we have. Doing this can bring us joy as we recognize all the good things God has done in our lives.

Joy is an emotion that comes from within us. It is a feeling of pleasure, contentment, and satisfaction. In Philippians 4:4-8, the Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always, to be gentle with others, to not be anxious, and to think on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. By following these instructions, we can experience joy in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Joy Week: Choose JOY!

 

Welcome to this week's spiritual blog post series, where we will be discussing the important passages of Philippians 4:4-8. As Christian believers, we often look to the Bible for guidance and support to understand the world around us and our place in it. This week, we will be diving deep into the words of Paul in Philippians 4:4-8, which offer us a unique perspective on living a life of joy and peace.

We will begin by studying the context of Philippians 4:4-8, then look at each verse in depth, discussing what it means to us today. We will explore topics such as the power of prayer and the importance of thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. We will also discuss how we can apply these verses to our lives in a practical way and how we can better live out the principles of Philippians 4:4-8.

We hope that you will join us this week as we explore this powerful passage of Scripture and its relevance to our lives. Together, we can find joy, peace, and purpose in the words of Paul as we strive to live each day according to God's will.

We Can Have Fun

God wants us to have fun as we go through this life.  The Bible is filled with celebrations, fun moments, joy filled occasions, and happy times.  We must remember that we were not meant to be sad, moody, and despondent all the time.
 

Psalm 30:5 reminds us that joy will come…
(NASB)
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
 

 

Be joyful.

Understanding Biblical Joy in God

I am so excited to embark on this journey of Understanding Biblical Joy in God @ggbc-edmond.

Over the next month, I want to focus on finding joy in the little things. Life is full of ups and downs, and it can be hard to find something to be joyful about.

We'll look at different facets of experiencing joy in our relationship with God. We'll explore how we can have joy in Him in spite of our circumstances, how we can focus on His goodness, and how to bring our joy to others.

This is a journey of discovery and I'm looking forward to learning and growing with you. So let's continue our journey!