This week marks the beginning of our preaching series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul is writing to this congregation from prison and the letter is one of his final letters before his execution in Rome. Unlike his letters to the Galatians and the Corinthians which were responses to crises the one to the Philippians was an expression of his deep affection and joy for this community. But his teaching and writings on the joy of the Lord is not being written because everything is going well for the Philippian church but written as an encouragement for when things become hard.
Paul had learned the art of being content in the Lord in all circumstances. He had learned how to ‘lean into joy’ when things got tough. For us leaning into joy and into God is a conscious choice and not solely based on our emotions. For although you may be overwhelmed with emotions of anxiety and fear, the thinking part of your brain can choose to say: ‘Ok, even though I’m having a really hard time right now, I’m going to take a breath and choose to believe that God’s got this, and no matter how difficult this is, I can choose to be joyful in Jesus that I share in his sufferings and that God has a bigger plan for this which he will reveal to me when he is ready’.
Focusing on God’s joy gives us perspective. As we lean into him, he gives us a bigger container to place our sufferings in so that they do not overwhelm us. Focusing on God’s joy can also help us discern whether or not to address or focus on trivial issues, or it can help us work out for example if a moment of injustice in a family quarrel is really worth making a big deal over and spoil the day for everyone. Over time too we can begin to learn what things have the potential to steal our joy.
Even though further potential changes to our lives with COVID-19 are on the forefront of our minds at the moment in South Australia, I encourage you all to lean into God’s joy, to not give in to fear or despair, but know that in every suffering and trial God will provide everything you need to get through it.
Pastor Matt
