Thursday, September 19, 2013

Devotion - Thursday, September 19

The book of Philippians presents a contrast.  Paul writes this letter while he is in prison.  And yet, over and over, he speaks of "joy."  How can he be joyful if he is in jail?

Paul's joy is not derived from the short-term realities of his life.  From those he might reflect his mood as being "happy," or "sad,"  Happiness (to quote my teacher) arises out of the waxing and waning of one's good fortune.  "Joy", on the other hand, is a result of knowing that we are connected to that which is larger than ourselves.

Paul is filled with joy; the immediate circumstances of his life cannot rob him of his confidence in his relationship with God.

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