Joy is a choice

from Relentless Joy by Christina Patterson

Paul intentionally remains positive even though he is in prison while writing this letter to the Philippians. He is so adamant about finding joy even in this situation; it’s like a direct assault against any discouragement or doubt that may come his way. Through the example of Paul, we learn joy is a choice, but sometimes it is a choice we must fight for.

The Philippians could have seen Paul’s imprisonment as a defeat, failure, or a sign that their faith and Paul’s work were in vain. This may be a major reason why Paul wrote this letter in the first place. He wanted to assure his Philippian brothers and sisters that his imprisonment was not a sign of defeat. Paul is painting a clear picture for the Philippians to see beyond what’s happening and to help them understand how even this has happened “to advance the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12 ESV) and complete the purposes for which God called him.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Philippians 1:18

This truth brought Paul joy because he understood that the very thing meant to hold you back, is the very thing God will use to complete His work in your life. His imprisonment was the cause of the Gospel’s advancement. We see God move in this way throughout scripture.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:24‭-‬25

The very flames King Nebuchadnezzar used to try to kill Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are the same flames that destroyed the shackles meant to hold them hostage- while not harming a single hair on their heads.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

The thorn in Paul’s side meant to weaken him was the situation that caused the power of God to rest on him.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 28:18

The crucifixion that was meant to humiliate and kill Jesus was the very situation that afforded eternal life to all who would believe in Him and gave Christ all authority in heaven and earth. (Matthew 28:18)

Sometimes the opposition, failure, lack, weakness, hurt, suffering, detours, and disappointment that we face in life are not signs that we’re doing something wrong, as we’re commonly led to believe. They are not signs that we need to stop or quit while we’re ahead. Sometimes our suffering means we’re doing life right! It’s the very sign that we should keep going and keep fighting for our joy.