Monday January 3, 2022

Today is Monday, January 3 and this week of Epiphany we are exploring what the Bible says about joy.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Holy God, in the peace of these morning moments, I hope to experience your presence. Come Holy Spirit, teach me the secret of living a joy-filled life. Enable me to hear the message you have for me today in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice with his holy people with the words of Psalm 126.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:3-6

Pause and Pray

We remain in the season of Christmas, a time of great joy. The custom of observing the twelve days of Christmas dates back to Medieval England. Between the feasts of Christmas December 25 and Epiphany January 6 are twelve days. These days were set aside as a time to enjoy family and friends, play games and celebrate God’s goodness. It was a time of joy. Joy is a basic foundation of the Christian life. The book of Philippians teaches how to live a joy-filled life. Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi is like a joy manifesto. Nineteen times in four chapters Paul uses the word joy or rejoice. Philippians is packed full of ideas and inspiration on how to find joy in all circumstances – no matter what. Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from jail. He is in prison under serious charges. Paul’s circumstances are dire and he faces possible execution. The people Paul writes to are also suffering and enduring persecution. People in power are lined up against the small, struggling church. They are attacked for their faith in Jesus Christ and under threat of arrest and death. Paul writes a word of joy to them and to us.

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 1:2-6

I am thankful for the joy I experience in life. I consider the many things that bring me joy. Yet, I acknowledge that every day a multitude of circumstances try to steal my joy. A great deal of uncertainty exists in life – there is constant threat of disease and illness, economic uncertainty, societal pressure, political division, violence, danger, civil unrest, injustice, and natural disasters. Some days it is challenging to find joy in the midst of everything that swirls around me. It is difficult to comprehend the promise of joy in all circumstances, especially during suffering. When my circumstances change, I fear my joy will disappear.

Ask: Where do I experience joy in my life? Is my joy dependent or independent of my current circumstances?

Pause and Pray

Father God and my Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the people and circumstances in my life that bring me joy. I pray for my friends, family, coworkers and fellow Christians who have been my partners in living a life of faith. Despite the pressures of life that come against me, I am confident that you began a good work in me and you will carry it through to completion. Help me find joy in all circumstances. I read Paul’s words again and listen for the message you have for me.

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 1:2-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? I consider that Paul is writing from a place of suffering and uncertainty. How is my situation like Paul’s? Where in my life do I feel trapped, fearful and concerned about what the future holds? Paul’s focus on joy inspires me to reframe my circumstances and look at my life from a new perspective. I consider who in my life brings me joy. I name these people before God and give God thanks for them. I imagine Paul is writing this prayer to me. I try to hear Paul’s words directly addressed to me. How do I receive this prayer for me? What is the good work God has begun in me and how can I better trust God to carry it on to completion? Do I really believe that there is joy for me?

Pause and Pray

Lord, God, I invite you into my circumstances and situation. Reveal places in my life where the joy you desire for me is being robbed and stolen. Teach me how to find joy regardless of my circumstances. Enable me to find joy in Jesus and not depend on the fleeting happiness of the world. Help me find true joy – joy in pain, joy in suffering, joy in uncertainty, joy in you alone. Amen.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

As I leave this time of prayer, I claim the joy that God promises me. I pray that my joy will be so complete that it overflows into the lives of others.

Amen