Christ — a river of joy

A 5C devotional of healthy leader development

The Apostle Paul writes the letter to the Philippian church from prison.  He is chained to a Roman soldier and is under house arrest for his work in the Gospel.  Even though his circumstances are difficult he writes the most joyful letter in the New Testament.

Joy is an important fruit of the Holy Spirit that enables Christian leaders lead well.  And when we read the life of Paul, (read especially 2 Corinthians), we discover that even though he went through many trials, struggles, discouragements, sorrows, distresses, and pressures,  he was able to write about joy.

Throughout the book of Philippians joy is like a river that runs all the way through it and Paul knew how to tap into this stream even in the midst of the most adverse and trying circumstances.  What is Paul's secret?

In this letter, in the four chapters, we discover four reasons for joy

#1.  Joy is not dictated by circumstances but by finding life's Purpose in Christ.
In chapter one, The Apostle Paul chooses to rejoice because His life is Christ's.  He can have his freedom to travel, be imprisoned and chained to a Roman guard twenty-four-seven and yet rejoice because no one can take Christ away from him.  His life belong's to Christ.  His one desire is to exalt Christ and that can happen where ever he is.                                                          Philippians 1:20-21

#2.  Joy is discovered in the Pattern of Jesus' sacrificial service and not in our selfish pursuits.
In  chapter two, The Apostle points us to Jesus as the Pattern of humbling and yielding Himself for our leadership model.  Later in this chapter Paul says that he rejoices in the opportunity to be poured out as a drink offering upon the service and sacrifice of their faith.                                  Philippians 2:3-5,

#3.  Joy is deepened when we pursue Jesus as the Prize of our life.
In chapter three, The Apostle Paul describes how he has chosen to suffer the loss of all of his achievements and his privileged status in order to embrace Christ.  Paul's singular passion is Christ as the treasure and prize of his life.  To know Christ is all that really matters.  To know Christ personally, powerful and sufferingly is the treasure of a lifetime.                                             Philippians 3:7-10

#4.  Joy develops when we learn the secret of relying on Jesus as the source of our Power.
In chapter four, Paul has learned the secret to the Christian experience.  This is something that Paul learned in the school of hard knocks.  It is to be content in any and every circumstance through Christ who strengthens.                                                                                                    Philippians 4:11-13

Where does joy come from?  How can we tap into this ever flowing river of joy?   Jesus is the source of joy.  Jesus is our life Purpose, our Pattern, our Prize and our Power and when we abide in Him two things happen.  We bear much fruit (Joy is a fruit of the Spirit) and so glorify our Father and the joy of Lord becomes our and our joy is made full, John 15:5-11.

Challenging Assignment:   Center your life in Jesus Christ by thanking Him that He is in every one of your circumstances and choose to rejoice.  Bow your heart before Him and let the presence of His grace and peace rule in your heart.   Memorize and meditate on Jesus as our life Purpose - Philippians 1:20-21,  Jesus as your Pattern - Philippians 2:5, Jesus as  your Prize - Philippians 3:10 and Jesus as your Power, Philippians 4:13.   With these truths in your heart, be on the look out how you can serve others in love and with joy!