I tried to post this late last night but for some reason it was a big ‘ol no go. So I’m going to combine day 2 and 3 today. I have purposed to read the book of Philippians everyday for the next month. Did you know Philippians is referred to as Paul’s “Letter of Joy?” Me neither. And I could use some joy right now, how about you? Join me as I read one chapter everyday for a week. Then on to the next chapter for the next week…for the next month.
My Journey to Joy
Yesterday I shared one way I chose to start reading Philippians; I marked certain words with different colors or symbols. I also shared the first revelation I’ve had reading Philippians chapter 1.
And now it’s today, or actually late tonight. Things are sort of messy here right now…a sick kid, a broken lawn mower, a leaky kitchen sink…we all have it don’t we…one way or another, one thing or another.
I can very easily sit down and consider all the things going flat out wrong–or maybe even just not quite right. Or I can ponder the words of St Paul, and ask myself some questions.
“Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
†Philippians 1:12
First question…do I see my trials, frustrations and sufferings as a means of grace for myself and way to advance the gospel?
Let’s work backwards from that question. How do I advance (build up, promote) the gospel? By what people see, hear and sense about me. I live it; that’s louder than any preaching from any pulpit. Driving a car with a prolife bumper sticker to the grocery store and then complaining to the checker about poorly behaved children in the grocery store does not promote the gospel, it promotes me. Or getting myself and my home neat and tidy for guests but letting my husband and children live in squalor the rest of the time does not promote the gospel…it promotes me. Or at Sunday Mass, sitting straight and tall, first pew, hugging and loving on others with a big ‘ol smile from ear to ear after Mass and handing out donuts to all the children with a smile…but getting in my car and complaining that so and so “has this–did this–did not do this–said this–supposedly said or didn’t say–wore this…” while I’m frowning at my husband and shushing my kids…again, not promoting the gospel but only myself.
In all three examples, I’m promoting myself. I’m advancing a nice, neat, convenient gospel. I’m not living it…I’m showing it off. Paul didn’t do that. You know how we know?
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
†Philippians 1:13-14
While St Paul is writing this lovely letter of joy to the Philippians, he’s sitting in prison…advancing the gospel. He is using his time in prison to encourage the faithful near and far, and to show that even in prison one can be joy-filled with Christ and for Christ.
St Paul is not putting on a good show for the Philippians on paper (for us, how about on Facebook or Instagram?) because he says even the guards know why he’s there. And they can’t believe this guy is in prison proclaiming the good news about some other “Guy” who is now dead, not only dead, but crucified. They want what Paul has…”Who” Paul has…and that’s how he advances the gospel. Paul is living out the gospel, not just preaching the gospel.
Those in closest proximity to our beloved saint, see him for he what he really is. Not some letter writing boaster, but a faithful servant…a joyful, faithful servant, even in crummy circumstances.
Those in closest proximity to me see me for who I really am as well. And now we’re to the first part of the question…Do I see my trials, frustrations and sufferings as a means of grace for myself?
And I’ll have to ponder that either privately or here publicly another time. I have a pretty sick boy who is awake, a baby that needs a nap and a house that needs some TLC.
Here’s a link to my favorite Bible…it’s large print. I use this Concordance for word studies–like joy. And these are my favorite highlighters and pens to use.
Keri Underwood says
Love this. I came across your blog on Pinterest (of course) and really enjoyed this post! I just wrote one on Joy as well (it will be posted tomorrow). I love the idea of taking Philipians chapter by chapter! I read a quote somewhere recently that says “Joy is the outward sign of inward faith in the promises of God”. So true! Thanks for this!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Jenny says
Hi Keri. Philippians is my go to book in the Bible 🙂
Theresa says
Jenny…here is something that came to me:
“Joy is the fruit of confidence and trust in God.”
So St. Therese, isn’t it?
: )
Jenny says
I love this Theresa! That sentence have such lovely and yet sometimes hard words…”joy…confidence…trust.”
Michelle says
Thank you Jenny for bringing my weaknesses to light with your candor. You are pretty funny too.
I have to laugh at how I almost shunned Philippians on account of learning how to live out my word of the year ~ Trust. Little did I know how joy and trust would relate to one another.
I will be praying for your strength and Leo’s wellness. His poor little lungs have taken a beating haven’t they?
Blessings coming your way.
Jenny says
Thank you Michelle. It’s actually Luke is sick, but the Lord knows where and to whom more prayers are needed and when. I’m glad you were nudged bu the Holy Spirit to join in my journey to joy.
Theresa says
That same passage stood out to me too Jenny. When those days come hard down upon me, am I still proclaiming the Gospel message or am I complaining and murmuring and out right not showing that I KNOW God is in control?
This is a hard letter for me because due to my depression…there is not much joy and gladness. They peek through every so often and I am grateful for that. But as a very honest person, it’s hard for me to put on the *joyful…God has got all this…even my depression face* on when I am on day 4 of sleep deprivation.
I pray for the grace to have the spirit of Paul who in chains was reaching out in love to his brethren…with joy!
Michelle says
I am suffering along with you my dear friend. And joy has eluded me for a time, so I thought I would look it up and get a better idea of what it means to possess it. Here is one of the definitions from the Catholic Exchange. It was explaining the difference between happiness and joy.
Joy
3. A deep peace which comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within a person, and lasts despite hardship.
(There’s that indwelling again)
• John 16:22 — So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you.
This is one of my favorite verses from scripture. Doesn’t it fill you with hope and peace? I don’t think we are supposed to be all smiles when we are experiencing sorrow (that would be insincere) and for clinical depression, there are hardly words to describe. I do think the devil tries to convince us that all is lost when it comes to joy though.
This is from a great article I read by Lorraine E. Espenhain | Source: Catholic.net
“Restore my joy in Your salvation!” [Ps 51:14]
“Whenever Mother Teresa observed an unhappy nun, she would say to herself, “Ah, she’s holding back on Jesus. She’s not giving herself completely to Him.” Wise woman, Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa learned, as all who are mature in Christ eventually learn, that anytime we refuse to surrender any areas of our lives over to the Spirit’s conquest, peace and joy will be the first two things to flee from our lives.” Now, I know there is a difference between happiness and joy, but I think I get what she meant.
Let us ask our Lord to cure our blindness in any areas of our lives that we are afraid to surrender to His divine providence. He will not refuse.
Praying for you and me ~ and for all those who are suffering with this debilitating illness.
Theresa says
Thank you dear Michelle. That is what I meant when I said I don’t put on the *face* because it would be insincere. BUT I pray that I will be a person of interior peace joy and that will be what people will see when they interact with me.
Thank you for the quotes you shared. Another quote struck me but I will have to go find it and share it later LOL!
Much love and peace…
Jenny says
I’m sure our Lord is very pleased with your efforts Theresa. Keep on my friend.
Marcie Palmieri says
dear Jenny, just want to thank you for all the work you are putting into this for us…
God Bless You and your family
Marcie