In Philippians 1, Paul writes to the church of Philippi while imprisoned waiting for his appearance before Caesar. His circumstances were anything but joyful… yet, Philippians has long been considered the epistle of joy! The book is full of loving encouragement despite Paul’s current situation. Why?
Because Paul’s joy did not come from his physical circumstances. He did not need to be physically free of prison chains in order to feel true satisfaction! Paul was aware that his joy came only from Jesus, anything in addition to that was unnecessary. Despite being in prison, he says that he rejoices because “Christ is proclaimed.”
“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body whether by life or death.” Philippians 1:20
Paul was able to rejoice and be glad while being persecuted in prison because he knew that all trials and sufferings can be used for the sake of Christ. Paul lived his life, not to preserve and promote himself but to glorify Jesus. Because of this, he could find joy in any circumstance!
Sometimes, it is easy to try controlling how God uses us to glorify Him in our lives. We want to make Him known but we want to do it on our terms, according to our preferences. Paul knew the danger of this mindset and was able to boldly serve the Lord no matter where he was. Paul left his circumstances up to God and was faithful to glorify Him no matter what.
Have you ever tried to tell God how to use you? Have you found yourself in situations where it is hard to rejoice and glorify Jesus? In what ways have you tried to control your circumstances and failed to worship Jesus right where you’re at?
As believers, we are called to worship Him always. How can we accomplish this? Jesus tells us:
“Abide in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit.” John 15:4-6.
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