Last week, Stephanie encouraged us to take as a mantra Paul’s marvelous words: “Rejoice in the Lord always. . .” (Philippians 4:4-7). I support that heartily.
When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians, his life certainly was not perfect. He wrote it from a prison cell; his work was constantly under attack, by the Jewish establishment as well as by competing evangelists, and, after many years of hard work and travel in the service of Jesus, he might have welcomed some relief. Yet the entire letter exudes happiness.
The key for Paul — and for us — is the critical phrase “in Christ.” Paul uses this expression eight times in Philippians. He connects it to: believers (1:1); joy (1:26); glory (3:3); faith (3:9); hope (3:14); peace (4:7); reward (4:19); and citizenship (4:21). He is fully grounded in Christ; this undergirds his happiness.
The theme of joy — joy in the Christian life — permeates the letter. Within its four chapters, the words “joy” and “rejoice” are found sixteen times. Paul speaks of joy in suffering, as Christ suffered; of joy in service; of joy in believing; and of joy in giving.
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is triggered externally – when things are going well, when life is good. But joy comes from within — even in the most appalling circumstances. Paul tells us that joy is a gift from God, one of the gifts of the Spirit – a gift which is there for the asking.
I believe we can indeed find joy through suffering. How can this be? Paul reminds us of the redemptive power found in the suffering of Jesus, reflected in Paul’s own sufferings, and in ours. We experience joy when we feel connected to others — and to what is genuinely good, beautiful, and meaningful — which is possible even in pain. Through suffering, we learn compassion, which leads to fulfillment and ultimately to joy. This is definitely food for thought!
I have always felt a great deal of affection for this little book, which provided the Epistle readings for four recent Sundays. My father, a Baptist minister, preached a sermon based on Philippians 1:21 (KJV): “For me to live is Christ; and to die is gain.” I heard that sermon many times as I was growing up, and I was delighted to find and listen to a tape recording of it recently. As a church musician, I have always been drawn to two wonderful texts: Philippians 2:6-11, the “Christ hymn,” which we sing as hymn 435, “At the Name of Jesus;” and Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” which inspired the composer Henry Purcell to create a marvelous anthem.
Many other themes appear in the letter to the Philippians: the Incarnation; humility, coupled with love; fellowship, essential as we support one another in a loving community. It is a genuine treasure. I encourage you to read it, many times and in many different translations. I really believe it will inspire and comfort you, as it has done for me. And do take “rejoice in the Lord always” as a mantra!
With Paul, I offer this blessing, from Philippians 4:7: May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
David