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Real Joy

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, sounds like a man who had it made. He had what it takes to be at peace. Not only that, but his brief letter mentions joy or rejoicing seventeen times! Paul had it all.

But wait a minute! Paul was in prison when he wrote all those words about joy and rejoicing (see Philippians 1:12-14). By any measure we would use, he had nothing. But he was at peace. That's why later he could write in his letter, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13).

Real Joy has nothing to do with the things you accumulate. The reason you can be joyful – whether you're wealthy or poor – is because you can have the peace and contentment that comes only from Jesus Christ. And here's why: Christ is your most prized possession. You can't lose Him. He can't be stolen from you. He can't be broken. He won't go out of style. And knowing Him can give you joy that nothing else in this world can bring.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, the world views success and contentment by the amount of stuff you own. But the truth is: real joy and contentment can only come from having a personal relationship with You. Help me this day to rejoice in the life You have blessed me with and the opportunities each day that I have to honor and glorify You. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen