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by Meghan McSwain Last month we talked about how Paul found contentment in Christ. You may be wondering how. In verses eight and nine of Philippians 4, we find the answer: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. God is Truth. Paul is telling us to think on those things that are true. Learn the Truths of the Bible. We can best do this through Bible study. How do you study the Bible best? We have an opportunity to study Gods truth every Sunday Morning. Give your Sundays to studying Gods Word, and throughout the rest of the week, you will find joy, but dont stop there. Take time to continue Bible study throughout the week. The Bible is a living text and through it we have an awesome opportunity to interact with the Holy Spirit. Last month we talked about prayer, have you ever tried praying the Scripture? "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mk. 9: 24) Need more faith, ask God for it. Ask God to show you the Truth! It will be a great adventure! Last, but not least: Meditate on the Truth and, then, put it into practice. Do what God commands. "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Mt. 6: 28-34). Jesus own words...dont worry...focus on God and His will and you will have everything you need. Over the past two years, God has proven this scripture to me over and over again. When I made the commitment to return to school, which required me to quit my full-time job, I was told that I would be $200 in the hole every month, but God promised he would take care of my needs...and he has. I have never been in the hole. There has always been extra work on school breaks or angels that appear to help just as it is needed. Dont get me wrong, Jesus does not promise prosperity, he promises that your needs will be met. My aunt always tells me, dont sweat the small stuff. I dont know about you, but most of the time I spend worrying is over the small stuff. How do you determine what is small stuff, and what deserves worry? Give it the end of your life test: will this matter at the end of my life? If I am honest, most of things that I fret over probably wont really matter at the end of the week, much less at the end of my life. Focus on God and his plan for your life and the rest will work out and you will find joy. Remember: joy is a choice! What do you choose? Over the past four months, we have looked at how to choose joy, lets review. Remain in fellowship with other believers.
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[Choose Joy] |