We all have a list of things we never leave home without. Maybe it's our keys, wallet, or cell phone. Because these items are essential to our everyday function, we often create spaces in our home, like a drawer or table, to ensure we do not forget them. But while remembering all the material things essential to everyday life, Paul reminds us in the book of Philippians that we must never leave home without joy.
Philippians 3:1 NIV says "Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you."
The world will try to make us increasingly pessimistic and cynical...just scroll through your news and social media feeds. You will quickly find that it does nothing to build you up. And if we choose to fill ourselves with what the world has to offer, we will find that it will negatively affect our lives.
If you find yourself struggling with cynicism and toxicity and operating with a glass-half-full mentality, it might be because you are looking for joy in the wrong places, and it is time for a reset. 1
Jesus himself modeled the need for a reset. He would go off by himself to pray and spend time with the Heavenly Father. During this time away, he would get a download from heaven and then return and begin to do things in public that were revealed to him in private.
Everyone’s reset may look different. It may be that you need to turn everything off for a period of time. Maybe you need to go for a walk or get away for a few days to be with the Lord. Whatever your reset may look like, it is essential to finding and keeping your joy!
We must remember that the world didn’t give us our joy, so the world cannot take our joy. And if we lack joy, it is because we choose to react to the chaos around us instead of believing that God put joy inside us through His son Jesus.
I encourage you today if you are struggling to find joy, say yes to Jesus and receive the joy that can only come from him!
Think About It:
1. Where are you looking to find joy?
2. Do you need a reset?
1 Realfaith, Philippians 3
I invite you to view Pastor Eric’s message, The Dogs Are Out, from Week 3 of the World Didn’t Give It series HERE.
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.
Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.
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