Friday July 7, 2023

Today is Friday, July 7 and 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 and loving God, I seek your abiding presence. Come Holy Spirit, show me your ways, teach me the secret of living a joy-filled life. I listen for the message you have for me today in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I join the ancient pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem and sing praise to God with the words of Psalm 126, a Psalm of Ascent.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 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 126:3,5-6

Pause and Pray

The Roman prison system did not give prisoners meals or provide them with a clean, safe place to live. In ancient Rome friends, family and humanitarians had to care for prisoners or they would go hungry and dwell in filth and discomfort. Paul wrote to the church of Philippi thanking them for the gifts they sent through a man named Epaphroditus. The church sent money with Epaphroditus so he could purchase food and supplies for Paul. Paul expresses his joy and gratitude despite his mean circumstances and distress suffering in prison awaiting trial. He is content, thankful and joyful. Instead of looking at what he lacks, Paul is grateful for what he has.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

I consider the situations in my life that cause me discontentment or discomfort. Perhaps I am too hot or too cold, hungry or full, busy or bored, overly tired or unable to sleep, stuck in traffic or caught in the rain. What are the things that make me uncomfortable or uneasy? I compare my complaints with the tremendous circumstances Paul must have experienced in a Roman prison with meager food, deplorable living conditions, loneliness and fear. Paul learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Paul has found contentment and joy in something greater than circumstances. I want to learn his secret.

Ask: What circumstances rob me of contentment and joy? When do I complain of discomfort?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I confess I have little experience with being in need, living in want or being hungry. I complain about the smallest things and allow circumstances to rob me of joy and strip me of contentment. Teach me the secret Paul discovered, to be content in any and every situation, looking to Jesus alone for strength. I read the words from Philippians again and seek your message for me today.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

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

I ponder what God might be saying to me through this passage of scripture. I want to know the unique and specific message God has for me today. I carefully consider my needs – physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, relational, and financial. How are my needs being met and how am I lacking? Where do I have plenty and when am I in want? How can I learn the secret of being content regardless of my needs? What does contentment look like for me? Paul found that Jesus Christ was sufficient in every situation and Jesus was all he needed. What about me?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I invite you into my circumstances and ask you to reveal my true needs. Supply me with what I am lacking and teach me the secret of contentment regardless of what I lack. I give myself over to a relationship with you, recognizing that you are all-sufficient for everything. Let me experience the contentment, joy and strength you promise. Amen.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As I leave this time of prayer, I go with thanksgiving, joy and contentment despite my needs. I strive to be like Epaphroditus and generously supply the needs of someone else.

Amen