Wednesday January 5, 2022

Today is Wednesday, January 5 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 this time of stillness, 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 in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s faithfulness and praise him with the words of Psalm 16.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:7-11

Pause and Pray

During these twelve days of Christmas (between December 25 and January 6) we celebrate God’s greatest gift of Jesus Christ and reflect on God’s promise of joy in the Christian life. In Paul’s brief letter to the Philippians, the imprisoned Paul repeatedly encourages the suffering Philippians to be joyful and rejoice. In chapter three, Paul begins by listing his many achievements. His status and accomplishments once meant a great deal to him. They held value and importance in his life. The very things that were once central to Paul, he consequently discards. The value of knowing Jesus Christ is far better.

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:1, 7-9

Paul’s words ring true to me. There is a human tendency to establish status by means of personal accomplishment. It is easy for me to get wrapped up in “things” – not only tangible things like money, possessions, homes, cars, but also intangible things like reputation, fame, status, achievements. Sometimes things can become the focus of life and people expect them to bring joy. Worldly achievements are not bad in themselves but they are not a source of joy. I must be careful that my focus does not detract from what is ultimately important in life. I am cautious to not constantly chase the next thing thinking it will make me happy.

Ask: What are the tangible and intangible things that I expect to bring me joy? Where am I placing my focus on things instead of people?

Pause and pray

Holy Lord God, I rejoice in you and celebrate the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I recall many things I once considered important to me, things I chased after even to the detriment of my relationship with you and others. Help me to see worldly things from your perspective and recognize their actual worth. I read Paul’s words again and listen for what you are saying to me today.

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:1, 7-9

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

What is God revealing to me with today’s scripture? What does God want me to recognize about myself and my personal motivations? As I look back over my life, I recall my gains, the things I valued, sought after, and strived to attain. Like an accountant I look at life’s balance sheet. What do I place on the plus side of the balance sheet – what are my life’s assets? What do I place in the loss column? What do I write off that is of little value to me now? How do I compare the gains I have in this world with the worth of knowing Jesus Christ? Do I place Jesus above all these other things? What is really most important to me? What do I need to discard (as “garbage” vs. 8) so that I can make better progress on my spiritual journey?

Pause and pray

Lord, God, come and show me my true self. Reveal my motivations and my priorities. Teach me what is of authentic value and genuine worth. Help me discard whatever I am holding on to that is of little value. I leave it behind and seek real treasure. Keep my eyes on Jesus Christ and enable me to persevere in my spiritual walk with him. Amen.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

As I leave this time of prayer, I go with a fresh perspective of what is valuable in my life. Give me a heart that stores up treasures of heaven not of earth.

Amen