“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)
The spiritual principle God is teaching me continually is to have “joy” no matter the situation. Those of us who trust Christ have the privilege to experience “joy in fulness” no matter the situation (Psalm 16:11). Yet, many Christians are not experiencing this privilege. Why is that?
I have learned and am constantly being reminded I need to change my thinking and attitude! The apostle Paul faced many hardships, yet he had joy (2 Corinthians 16:16-33). In his letter to the Philippians, Paul uses that word “joy” or “rejoice” around sixteen times. James says to have joy in any trial that comes your way (James 1:2a).
How did Paul keep his eyes fixed on Christ, especially during hardship?
The key is the word “mind” which he uses ten times, along with the word “think” or “remember” which he uses a total of sixteen times. Paul is saying the secret to joy no matter the situation is the way we think. I am learning daily to not be “double minded” which God hates (James 1:6-7). The key is to ask in faith and believe (James 1:6a).
I love how Warren Wiersbe in his book Be Joyful Even When Things Go Wrong explains the apostle Paul’s teaching. He says, “Paul does not look at his circumstances, rather he keeps fixed on Christ. He is not a prisoner of Rome; he is a prisoner of Christ (Ephesians 3:1). He is not bound in chains to a guard, but he is bound to Christ” (Philippians 1:13).
This week let your circumstances bring you closer to Christ not further from Him by serving someone. When our mind is fixed on Christ even during the worst circumstances, it will work for you not against you. Be aware of the things that rob you of your joy. This could be circumstances, people, worry, or things of this fallen world.
Here are four things that are found in the book of Philippians. (1) Have a single mind—know your purpose in life and walk through each circumstance. (2) Have a submissive mind—consider the good of others more than yourself. (3) Have a Spirit-filled mind—think about the things above and not here on earth. (4) Have a secure mind—fix your mind on Christ and see life through the lens and promises of God.
Pastor Jeff Tritt