Read Philippians 1:1–5
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership
in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:3–5
Paul’s letter to the Philippian church is a missionary thank-you letter,
but it is also the sharing of Paul’s secret of Christian joy.
The unusual thing about the letter is this: There appeared to be
no reason for him to be rejoicing. He was a Roman prisoner, and
his case was coming up shortly. He might be acquitted, or he might
be beheaded! The believers at Rome (where he was being held) were
divided—some were for him and some were against him. In fact,
some of the Christians even wanted to make things more difficult for
the apostle!
Yet, in spite of his danger and discomfort, Paul overflowed with
joy. The secret of Christian joy is found in the way we believers
think—our attitudes. As we think, so we are (Prov. 23:7 KJV).
Philippians, then, is a Christian psychology book, based solidly
on biblical doctrine. It is a book that explains the mind we must
have if we are going to experience Christian joy in a world filled with
trouble.
Something to Ponder
What are some current situations that tend to keep you from experiencing joy? How can you keep from letting such situations rob you
of joy?