let’s talk about joy

Philippians is the most joyful book of the bible, yet it was written in prison. why is this??

i’ve been studying Philippians in my Prep. of Sermon class all semester and something that stood out to me is Paul’s joy. notice I said joy, not happiness. it is likely Paul was not exactly happy to be chained up in a prison, but he was joyful because he knew God placed him there for a reason!

joy, as defined to us in the bible, is a lasting internal state that comes from our choice to trust God and His promises! joy is selfless, a sacrifice, good, and a spiritual connection with God. this is entirely different from happiness. happiness is an external emotion, blissful and can come to an end, pleasure in worldly desires, not always good, and achievable on earth. in short, happiness is a worldly emotion and joy is a spiritual connection with God (Galatians 5). happiness may fade, but joy will always remain as long as we trust in Christ!

im sure you’re thinking…okay but how do I obtain joy?? from personal experience, I found joy by seeking God! as long as we seek Him first with our whole hearts, all the qualities He calls us to possess comes naturally! (aka the fruit of the spirit; Galatians 5:22-23) HE MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE🫶🏻

Paul may not have been happy with his circumstances but he was joyous in the Lord which is why Philippians is such a positive book! your circumstances cannot and will not define your joy because you have God on your side! happiness may come and go but joy will never leave you because God will never leave you🤍

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬