I am starting a series of bible studies on the book of Phillipians. We held our first meeting yesterday and went over the introduction – who, what, when, and why. We discussed the fact that we lost a lot of our joy in life as we grew up. There was a comparison on how we looked at life as a child versus how we look at life now, as an adult. We all agreed that the biggest change was our responsibilities. Why does the increase of responsibilities mean we have to have less joy in life? Why don't we laugh now, like we did as a child? Are things just not that funny any more?
We discussed a quote of "Life is something that should be experienced and not endured." It became abundantly apparent the more the discussion went on that everyone in the room saw a lack of joy in their life. It appears we are all enduring life and not experiencing it. There were comments like, "I knew I needed to be in here." "How can I experience joy when I'm at work." and "Well I have kids now."
John 10:10 says: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." God sent Jesus to us to give us life -- an abundant life. This includes JOY. Now at the risk of sounding too much like a "glass half full" philosophy, I am aware that we all experience trials and tribulations in this life. However, we still can have this joy in our life, even in the midst of these problems. God has called us to live above our circumstances, not under them.
This leads into the book of Phillipians. Paul wrote this Epistle while he was under arrest and chained daily to a Roman soldier. What a blessing it must have been for those soldiers. When Paul and Silas was in prison, beaten, backs bleeding, and in chains. They didn't grumble and complaint to God. They sang songs of Praise. And guess what, it changed the whole atmosphere of that place. In both instances, they knew no matter what their circumstances, they were above them and blessed by God.
What an awesome lesson we have. God has richly blessed us in all areas. God has even made a way in the midst of our trials that we can stand up and say: No matter what, I am blessed!.
Where are you in your circumstances?
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2 comments:
Way to go Charlie. You are officially blogging now.
Too bad I haven't read it yet... working on it
Charlie,
Excellent series topic. Keep us posted. I assume you guys meet once a week. Can you post the Bible Study here so we can read it? The book I am reviewing, "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson, deals with this topic. We do seem to lose our joy as we get older. As you discover why and how we can get it back, post it here.
Looking forward to it,
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