June 6, 2025
- credford5
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
As we have been reading through Philippians, we have been asking the question; what is the secret to finding joy in life? I think most, if not all, people are interested in knowing the answer. How do I find joy? And what we’ve found is that our joy is not found in the places we may have been taught it would be. For many of us, we believed our joy would be complete through our friendships, marriages, families, career, education, or just status in this world. Maybe we’ve believed that our joy would be made complete if we accumulated enough wealth. And yet, what I don’t think would come as any surprise is that when we search for joy in all these places, we end up feeling incomplete and wanting more.
Instead, Paul teaches in his letter to the church in Philippi that true joy is found elsewhere. True joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in a deep relationship with Jesus. This joy is not based on external comfort but on the unshakable truth that Christ is our source of strength and hope. True joy comes from surrendering worldly pursuits and anchoring our hearts in the eternal security of Christ. It is a joy that sustains us through trials, fuels our faith, and transforms our perspective, allowing us to live with peace and purpose regardless of life’s challenges.
Peace is something we all want. Remember when we would ask, “What are you going to wish for?” and someone would say “world peace”. Parents with young kids, what are we always seeking after? We want peace and quiet at home. Just this past week, Pam and I got away, just the two of us, and we spent time sitting on the beach. It was peaceful. Peace gives us rest. It can bring harmony to our lives. I think most people would define peace as the absence of conflict either in their lives or in their souls. And yet, this world never seems to give that opportunity. We regularly have wars, violence, struggle, anger, fighting. There never is a time when there isn’t something piercing the silence and peace. Our lives are full of conflict and struggle. And we ask the question, how can I find peace in a world that doesn’t seem to provide it?
We have been spending our Sunday mornings over the past several weeks in the book of Philippians. We are wrapping up that series this weekend. Take a look at chapter 4.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 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.” Philippians 4:4-9
Paul encourages unity, prayer, and gratitude, offering practical steps for living in God’s peace. He reminds believers that true contentment comes from trusting in Christ’s provision. Meditating on what is true, noble, and pure helps shape our thoughts and hearts. A life formed in Christ overflows with joy, peace, and generosity.
Often, we believe that true inner tranquility and peace come from the outside. We believe peace must be found. We believe that peace must be discovered by some change in circumstance. Paul totally dislodges this notion. He tells us that peace is uncovered when we turn to Jesus. We turn to our inward thoughts and trust Jesus to transform those thoughts and aim them toward him. What did Jesus think about? How did Jesus occupy his time? How did Jesus approach God and others? We, too, ought to dwell on and mimic those things. We may be surprised at the peace that floods our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. We should get started on asking him to transform our thinking today!
Collaborative Writing By Chris Emmons & Nathan Hinkle
