How’s Your JOY Meter?

Aloha!
Our women’s morning and evening Bible studies has been going through a study
of six verses in the book of Philippians 4:4-9. It has been both refreshing and
challenging to read through, digest, apply and memorize this ‘treasure chest’ of
valuable Bible verses written by Paul. His letter is short and sweet and expresses
not only his love and friendship towards the church there in Philippi but also their
shared joy for the Gospel and for faith in Jesus. The theme throughout is JOY.

What’s so interesting, is Paul wrote this letter from prison while chained to a
Roman guard, 24/7. His chains restricted him, yet his heart overflowed with
rejoicing. How could he rejoice while being chained day in and day out!? His
entire life was dedicated to traveling the Roman Empire and planting churches.
He could no longer fulfill that God-given desire. His heart’s desire was put on
hold. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” Prov. 13:12. Yet, Paul is found
rejoicing in the Lord. How’s your JOY Meter? Is it on empty or are you full of joy?

Typically, when we think about the word joy, we tend to connect joy with things
that make us happy. Right? At least I do at times. Example: Fill in the blank - - -
If I only had ________ I would be happy, I could rejoice! Think about some things
that make you happy/joyful… A good cup of coffee, a great night’s sleep, a much-
needed vacation, if I could only win the Lotto :) …. I could rejoice + be happy.
These are all good things, but what happens when your ‘happy-list’ fails you?

Paul’s words remind us that joy isn’t dependent upon our circumstances. His joy
was rooted in the Lord, not in his situation. You and I can find this same kind of
joy/rejoicing in our relationship with Jesus. We can increase our JOY capacity by
choosing to focus on His goodness, by feeding on His faithfulness. Find Joy in
Jesus. There are so many things in our everyday life trying to rob us of our joy.
Keep your JOY Meter on ‘full’. Stay plugged into His JOY!

Blessings, Karen