Joy’s Nemesis

A few weeks ago, I began a new sermon series on the powerful little letter Paul wrote to the Philippians. Paul has revealed that his joy remains even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He is chained to an elite Roman guard 24/7. He has been betrayed by some in the church. He is facing the reality of death, and yet he can still say, “I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” Is Paul mad? Has he lost his mind? What world does he live in? To the world, it doesn’t make any sense. Many would tell Paul what Job’s wife told him: “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9).  Yet Paul could rejoice!  Why?

Because Paul had discovered that his relationship with Christ outshined any darkness around him. Christ lived in him, and nothing, and I mean nothing, could rob Paul of his joy. His joy was not dependent upon his circumstances. His joy was dependent upon Christ. For Paul, his life was Christ, and if death came, well, for him, and for every believer, it would be gain!   “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)  

So this week, stop and examine your own life.  What robs you of your joy?  Does your joy have a nemesis?  The slow driver in front of you?  The dog barking across the street?  The wind?   Maybe it is something much bigger. A difficult circumstance. A disappointment. A person. A problem that just won’t go away.  Paul reminds us that circumstances will change, difficulties will come, and life will not always go according to our plans. But when our joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, our circumstances do not have to determine our joy.  

So ask yourself this week:  What robs me of my joy? And is my joy rooted in my circumstances, or is my joy rooted in Christ?