Philippians

Philippians

Q: In the book of Philippians, what does Paul say we should always be full of?

• a. patience
• b. peace
• c. joy

What would make you happy? Going to an amusement park? Getting a new game system or your own cell phone? Being chosen for a special award at school? These things may make you happy, but what happens when the day at the amusement park ends, the game system or phone breaks, or someone else gets a better award? Happiness can quickly fade.

Joy is not like happiness. Joy is an inner attitude that doesn’t change when the circumstances around you change. It comes from God’s Spirit dwelling in you.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome, yet he mentions the words rejoicing and joy 16 times in the book. That’s because Paul learned the key to joy. He didn’t let his circumstances control his heart attitude. Paul said, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Because Paul knew he was doing God’s work, he accepted his circumstances whether he was in prison or free, whether he had plenty or not much at all. He knew his strength was from God, so he could do the things he needed to do through Christ’s strength and with a joyful heart.

You, too, can have joy today no matter what is going on in your life, because your joy comes from Jesus.

For You

Don’t let the things that happen in your life make you angry or bitter. Life may not always be fair, but God’s plan for you is bigger than that. Focus on doing what God wants you to do each day, and shake off the little stuff that gets you down.

Answer: c

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!   Philippians 4:4

(The Whole Story: Philippians 4:4-5, 10-19)