Where in the World is My Joy? 9
Jesus Changes Everything
Many times we look to find joy in the things we have or our experiences in life. The only problem with that is moments are just that, moments. How many times have we been on vacation and then you get home and can only think about the good time you had and miss it? Or you buy that new car and then a few years go by and you see a new one that you want more? That is the problem that comes with depending on things and experiences to bring us joy. That is why Paul writes about how faith in Jesus can change our lives and help us find joy in everything that we face.
Paul Wants Us to Find Joy in Jesus
My brothers and sisters, be full of joy in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it will help you to be more ready. Philippians 3:1 (NCV)
The letter to the Philippians is written to encourage believers to have joy that overcomes what is going on around us. Paul reminds them that he will say it until they hear and believe it. True joy comes from a relationship with God. He knows that life is challenging and that we need someone on our side to deal with what life brings us. When Jesus gave his life for us it was not just we could go to heaven, but also that our lives here would be different. He wants us to find joy in this life, even when it is a struggle.
Jesus Should Change the Way We See Everything
Watch out for those who do evil, who are like dogs, who demand to cut the body. We are the ones who are truly circumcised. We worship God through his Spirit, and our pride is in Christ Jesus. We do not put trust in ourselves or anything we can do, although I might be able to put trust in myself. If anyone thinks he has a reason to trust in himself, he should know that I have greater reason for trusting in myself. I was circumcised eight days after my birth. I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a Hebrew, and my parents were Hebrews. I had a strict view of the law, which is why I became a Pharisee. I was so enthusiastic I tried to hurt the church. No one could find fault with the way I obeyed the law of Moses. Those things were important to me, but now I think they are worth nothing because of Christ.
Philippians 3:2-7 (NCV)
Paul lets us know that a relationship with God through Jesus can change the way we see things in this life. Paul talks about his religious heritage. He was not just a Jewish worshipper he was part of the sect that made sure everyone else followed the law of God. He was so sold on it that he hunted and arrested Jews who had become followers of Jesus. Then his life changed because he began to understand who Jesus is and the way he changes our lives. Paul went through all that religion and when he met Jesus he realized what true worship and love for and from God was like. As a follower of Jesus it should change the way we see everything in this world. We see people as souls Jesus gave his life for. Possessions are something to be used to share God’s love with others. We see our days on earth as a beginning to a life with God one day. Everyone Jesus is truly in a relationship with sees things differently.
Our Faith in Jesus Makes Us Right With God
Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ and to belong to him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him. Philippians 3:8-9 (NCV)
As a pastor many times I’m told that Christianity seems narrow minded and controlling. After all Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life.” It can seem as though God is very demanding and if we do not stay right in step then we are going to have trouble. I do not think that God providing a savior or a way to be right is controlling or mean. I believe it can be a true source of joy to be able to know we can be right with God with our relationship with Jesus. It is not a long list of undoable commands that make us right with God. It is one act of faith in believing that Jesus died and rose again that makes me right with God. I do not have to worry or guess, I can trust God’s word and that is a great source of joy.
Following Jesus Changes Our Destiny
I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death. Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 (NCV)
Our destiny is changed to one of victory. When we follow Christ, not everything will be perfect and blessed in our lives. There are days we need extra grace and strength from God. When we remember that our days on this earth are truly only a moment in our eternity. We are promised that when our life on earth is done that we will continue on in heaven with God and be able to celebrate with those who are already there. Joy is knowing that this is not the end. It is the precursor to a time we cannot imagine. That is when our joy will be realized in a full sense of our heart and soul.
This faith in God through Jesus is one of those things that people try to understand before they are a part of the story. Faith in God and a relationship with Jesus is something you have to experience to understand. But, honestly, I’m sure I truly understand all there is to following Jesus. I cannot find words to explain it. Sort of like when I talk about my love for my family. Hard to put into words but when love finds you, you know it. It is the same with a relationship with God through the work of Jesus. I hope that in your search for joy you remember that true joy comes from a heart and life in unison with God.