What brings you joy? We find joy in simple things in life. Maybe it is a hot cup of coffee before sunrise. A bonfire with friends when it’s cold. Sitting in the woods watching wildlife. A new book in a comfortable chair. Playing games with your family. We could go on for a long time talking about what brings us joy.
God expects his people to be joyous. He wants us to find joy in the small, simple things, but he also wants us to find joy when it’s not easy. The Bible provides a formula of sorts, to help us find joy even when things are difficult. In Philippians 4:4–13, Paul gives the church a list of areas to focus on that will produce joy, even when it is difficult.
- “Rejoice in the Lord” (vs. 4) – Do you have joy in your relationship with God? We can rejoice that we have a father who loves, provides, and forgives us.
- “Let your reasonableness/gentle spirit be known to everyone” (vs. 5) – What is the first character trait people think of when they see us? Do people see our pride, anger, sarcasm, or bitterness first? If we a rejoicing in God, then we should show it in the way we act.
- “The Lord is at hand” (vs. 5–6) – We need to find joy in the fact that God is not distant. He is
close to each one of us, and our prayer habits show whether we believe that or not. He has given us the avenue of prayer so we can voice our requests to him. - “Peace…will guard your hearts and minds…” (vs. 7) – When we put our joy and hope in God, there is peace that passes all understanding. Think about a time when you saw someone and said, “How are they so joyous even though…?” That is the peace God offers to those who find joy in him.
- “Think on these things” (vs. 8) – If we want to have the right kind of attitude, we need to focus on the right kinds of things. Paul gives us a list (although not exhaustive) of things that will change our lives if we focus on them instead of their opposites.
- “Practice these things” (vs. 9) – This is not a mental exercise, it is a practical one. If we want to have joy, we need to make some changes in our lives. Once we know what is right, good, and pleasing to God, we need to act on it.
- “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (vs. 10–13) – The result of following this formula is that we will realize we can do more in, with, and through the Lord than without him. We can find a new desire, purpose, and plan if we will trust in God, and find more joy in him than we find despair in the world.
Billy Camp
Billy grew up at the Decatur Highway congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school, he moved to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University. In 2012, he graduated from Faulkner with an undergraduate degree in Biblical text. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in New Testament Studies at Faulkner and his Ph.D. from Liberty University in Christian Apologetics. In addition to serving with our family ministry and preaching, Billy also teaches in the Bible department at Faulkner University.
Billy is married to the former Shelby Vega and they have three children: Kinley, Roman, and Lewis. He works with the Family Ministry at Dalraida and also preaches and teaches classes regularly.