A Joyful Perspective
This week I have been studying in Philippians chapter 1, and through my course of study I have been amazed and inspired by Paul’s joyful perspective throughout his turbulent circumstances. Even from a casual reading of Philippians, the reader senses the joy and inner contentment Paul possesses that is unaffected by trials and distresses. He is brimming with thanksgiving and holds an attitude of constant prayer.
As I meditated on his discouraging circumstances - prison, chains, abandonment - I wondered what “secret” he had learned to faithfully posses this stable joy. Looking deeper into the text I found Paul’s perspective to be the foundation to his faith and countenance.
This “perspective” was not wishful thinking but rather a deep persuasion in the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. He knew that God is sovereign and is fully in control of his circumstances. Paul does not write with a resentful tone or discouraged attitude. Nor does he assume God has failed him because of his chains. The impassioned trust of Paul in Jesus Christ is captivating. He knew God, and he rested in His character.
But, in addition to resting in God character, Paul’s joy and purpose was also deeply rooted in the gospel and it’s furtherance. Philippians is exhaustively centered on the gospel. In every circumstance, in every trial, in every victory, Paul’s perspective was embedded in the Word of Truth. Paul had no greater joy than to know Christ and see His message permeate throughout the world.
With a passion like Paul’s, I can now see how he maintained a joyful perspective. He saw everything in light of the “bigger picture”, which was emblazoned with the picture of the Cross. From this standpoint, nothing happens without a divine purpose - even if it means suffering, and eventually death, on the way to the resurrection.
Such theology I want to enlighten my perspective.
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Filed under: Devotional Life, Reflections, Scripture, Uncategorized on August 12th, 2008
I loved the book of Philippians. I read it when I was going through one of my rocky times and it blessed me so much.
You know, though, sometimes, it is hard to look at the bigger picture. (We humans can;t seem to grasp it all too well.) But God is good!
I pray you continue to feel encouraged and challenged in what you read!
Thanks Ella. I know, it is hard to “see” the big picture. I guess that is where trusting in God comes in. Paul is also such an inspiring example of trusting God too.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kaysie,
This is so true. Thank you for your encouragement while I am trusting the Lord. He is faithful and will fulfill His purpose for our lives!
You are a precious young lady, with a heart for the Lord. Do you realize how rare that is? You encourage my daughter, Brianna, so much. She is always telling me what she has read on your blog.
Stay focused on Jesus!
Stop by and visit me.
I LOVE chatting with younger women!!!
Thank you for sharing this post, Kaysie! I have been a ‘lurker’ of your blog for some time, but have never commented. =)
What you shared is very true! True joy, the joy of the Lord, comes from placing ones’ trust fully and completely in the Lord. Recognizing that it is He who holds us in His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10), and it is He who is causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
When reading this post and thinking of the life of Paul, a couple of verses came to mind that show his heart:
“Therefore I [Paul] am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
And again, coming from the book that you have been studying, Paul states:
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11).
May that be our perspective and desire! To be content (and not just in word, but in deed and heart) in whatever circumstances the Lord brings into our lives, and as a result, His joy will spring forth in our hearts.
Thank you again for sharing!
Gina, your comment was such a blessing to me! I am honored that Brianna has been blessed by my writings (praise God), she is always such an encouragement to me through her comments. You are raising a beautiful and godly young woman. I will definitely stop by your blog for a “chat”.
Sarah, thank you for your comment! I am glad you decided to comment - the verses and insights you shared were so true and a blessing to me. I so strive to become like Paul in his character, absolute trust, and thriving passion for the Lord. He has the joy in Christ that I desire!
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah.
Thank you Kaysie for this wonderful reminder of what our central focus should be…the CROSS!! It IS awesome that we can have the same hope that Paul did…the hope that Christ has given us through His death and resurrection!
PTL!
Hi, again, Kaysie! It looks like you and I are doing THE SAME Bible study…and are even on THE SAME page! Isn’t that funny!!! You’ll have to e-mail me and tell me what you are learning personally. I’ve loved the study so far!!
God Bless!!!