There is a lot happening at this moment. Someone’s dream is taking shape while someone else’s falls apart. Opportunities to grow are being seized or avoided. Change is seen as promising or problematic.

But no matter what you and I are experiencing right now, God wants us to experience Him the most.

He wants to provide wisdom for every decision and strength for every required task. He repairs our broken hearts and steadies us as life changes. The Apostle Paul knew this well. He made sure the Philippian church knew it too.

“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.” (Philippians 3:1 NLT)

Safeguarding our faith is serious business. But if I only allow my faith to thrive when things are to my liking, I’m only interested in fun or familiarity. And yet, faith is the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:6) By definition, it takes me beyond my comfort zone and into the hope found only in God.

Paul spent the remainder of chapter 3 encouraging the Philippians with many things; but the first thing he says is to “rejoice in the Lord.” It’s that moment when we reflect on His goodness until His joy infuses our soul. It insulates our faith.

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT)

How will you make the most of what is happening in your life right now?

Depending on what I’m facing, I’ve made too much of what I fear. I’ve made too much of what someone else said, or what I should have done. But whatever happens to you and me, we have the opportunity to make the most of knowing God.

“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.”  (Psalms 119:143 and 144 NLT)

Hence, “5 Ways to Keep Your Joy (or Find It), Whatever Happens…” is a free PDF for new subscribers to this blog (sign up in the let’s stay connected box). I’d love to share this biblically based encouragement with you. Because life has its share of joyless moments. You may be thinking of one right now.

Therefore, Philippians 3:1 does not tell us to be glad when reality turns harsh. Instead, this verse directs us to focus on the reality of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The beauty and power of trusting Him is a lesson I continue to learn. By His grace, it’s the joy I continue to find. I share my discoveries in the free PDF.

Paul never got tired of telling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. He knew they would face many challenges to their faith. I hear echoes of Paul’s passion, as I seek to encourage others to rejoice in the Lord too. For when it comes to being relieved of what weighs us down, the heart craves it. Our soul needs it. We may be impacted by whatever happens; but whatever happens is always subject to the power and love of Almighty God.