Monday July 3, 2023

Today is Monday, July 3 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 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. Amen.

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

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3

Pause and Pray

We continue this Summer’s pilgrim journey studying the Songs of Ascent. This week we come to Psalm 126, a song of joy for all God’s people. God wants his people to experience an abundance of joy. Joy is a basic foundation of the Christian life. The book of Philippians teaches me 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. 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 Christ and under threat of arrest and death. Paul writes a word of joy to them and to 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

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 threat of disease, possibility of illness, economic uncertainty, societal pressure, political division, violence, danger, severe weather alerts, 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 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 Lord Jesus, 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 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? 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 thanks for them. I imagine Paul is writing this prayer to me and I try to hear Paul’s words directly. How do I receive this prayer? What is the good work God has begun in me and how can I better trust God to carry it to completion? Do I really believe that there is more 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 realize joy in Jesus and not depend on the fleeting happiness of the world. Help me find true joy – joy in pain, joy in disappointment, 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