Dear friends,
Will 2019 be an “unhappy or happy new year?” I am not a prophet so I am not making any predictions for you or for me. I can confidently say however that if you are a “Jesus follower” 2019 can be a joy-filled year!
If you looked up joy in the dictionary you would find many synonyms – blissful, delighted, glad, gratified, happy, joyous, pleased, satisfied, thankful and tickled. Biblical joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a stable state of contentment, confidence and hope based on spiritual realities.
We begin this Sunday a study in the book of Philippians entitled, “A Life of Joy.” Joy is mentioned 211 times in the Bible and rejoice 191. Below are the 7 times the word rejoice is mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.
“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” 1:18
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 1:27
You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. 2:18
Therefore, I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 2:28
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 3:1
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 4:4
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 4:10
Please read one chapter out loud each day until we meet together on Sunday. May the joy that Jesus gives be your strength today and until He returns!
Because He has made me glad,
Glen