Joy, safeguard for the soul, is ours for the choosing if we overcome the things that steal joy. We’re continuing to dig into Philippians 3, so feel free to read the other posts in this series in case you missed them– Finally…Choose Joy and Choose Joy: Let Go of Joy Stealers.
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:7-8).
Joy Stealer: Valuing the lesser prize.
Like Paul, we’ve all racked up a few accolades and accomplishments. The thrill of success and the blessings we enjoy can easily become prizes we hold tightly. It’s easy to get caught in the lure of the shiny trinkets this world values.
Even in serving God, we find can joy and purpose in the doing rather than in the One who is all joy. With misplaced priorities, we run after the good at the cost of the best.
Choose Joy: Rest in the rightness of knowing Christ.
“…be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him…” (v.9-10).
Self-sufficiency snatches joy and stomps it right into the ground. To be found in Christ, to know His way of thinking and being right, releases us from the chains of proving our own worth. Rest and let joy rise up from a heart set free and set right by Christ.
How often I cling to people, possessions, and passions as sources of my joy. To know Christ, to truly value Him above all else is the real source of joy. “The greatest gift God graces a soul with is His own presence” writes Ann Voskamp in The Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp, p. 41.
Choose Christ and receive joy of true life.
This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.–John 17:3
Joy Stealer: Chasing the false win.
Though we may often feel that joy is more of an emotion than a choice, truth is, we can choose joy. We can beat the joy stealers that sway us to distraction, competition, and complaint.
Like most things worth reaching for, choosing joy is often a process.
At times, I wish that I had a little joy switch, a simple lever tucked away. Joy for the flick of a finger–easy peasy. No sweat and no tears.
And wouldn’t it be great if we could beat the joy stealers, tearing across the finish line of joy once and for all? Joy begins with a choice, an intention, but it is in the persevering that joy grows strong.
Choose Joy by holding on to the true source of life and joy. Nothing is more valuable that knowing Christ and receiving the joy that comes from living through Him.
Where is your joy today?
Love to have you share this post via social media. Spread joy today.
Tweetable:
There is no joy in the soul that has forgotten what God prizes.
With misplaced priorities, we run after the good at the cost of the best.
Choose Christ and receive joy of true life.
I am linking with some fabulous blogs.
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
“Joy, safeguard for the soul.” So true. When you choose joy, it is a hedge of protection that guards you from Satan’s lies.
Hi Sherry! I love the way you elaborated on how joy protects us from Satan’s lies. Those nasty lies and false perceptions have robbed me of too much joy in the past. I’m really laying my heart before God and asking Him to transform my thinking and emotions on that one!
Love this line: “Self-sufficiency snatches joy and stomps it right into the ground.” Your post is such a great reminder, challenge & encouragement today. I’m tweeting it right now 🙂 Visiting from Coffee for Your Heart. Blessings, Ginger!
Thanks for the tweet. I enjoyed your post this morning as well. It is a challenge to keep our sufficiency in Christ.
Thanks for your insights on Joy, Ginger! I am studying Philippians right now and your insights are very helpful and encouraging. Praise God for His amazing faithfulness!
Yes and yes! Hope you’re having a great summer filled with inspiration, family, and joy! Thanks for saying hi today:)
Great thought- provoking post. Choosing joy looks different for everyone but when you stated “With misplaced priorities, we run after the good at the cost of the best” it reminded me that our choices can become joy stealers. Understanding our joy comes from knowing Christ is a lesson that I need to be reminded of and need to embrace always. Blessed to be stopping over here from Three Word Wednesday. Thanks for visiting my place too!
I’ve really enjoyed your blog, Mary! That “Perfect No” has been in my mind ever since I read your post. Sometimes it’s so hard to remember that we can choose joy. I keep wanting to default to mixing the idea of happiness with joy and they are quiet different. Thanks for stopping by today!
I love these posts on Joy, Ginger, since it happens to be my one word for the year. Perfect timing with this little over 1/2 way through the year as they are prompting me to focus back on that word of mine. Thank you for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. Love having you join us every week!!! xoxo
I love the idea of focusing on one word for the year and letting God really work it into your life. Blessings my friend.
Oh, yes -choose joy! It was a liberating day when I realized joy was a choice – not a feeling! Choosing joy is kind of like learning to run miles and miles – I’ve had to build up those choose joy muscles! Thanks for the encouragement to continue choosing joy!
Oh I love this illustration of a runner building up to run miles and miles. That is so helpful. Blessing your heart today. Thanks for leaving a comment and visiting today.
Choosing Joy is definitely a process. It’s a habit that needs to be developed but often times I don’t what to do what it takes to create that habit. I want to do what comes naturally and ride the wave of whatever emotions come my way. Thanks for the reminder.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could skip the process and get right to the payoff? I’m with you in the struggle to create the habit of choosing joy. Thanks for joining me today, Kimberly.