Most all of us enjoy smiling and laughing. Few people are like W. C. Fields who said, “Smile first thing in the morning and get it over with.”
There are a number of verses, especially in Proverbs, that talk about a cheerful heart, such as Proverbs 15:15. It is clear that God wants us to be happy. Now, that’s not our highest good; our highest good is to be faithful. But we can be faithful and happy at the same time if we will rejoice in the Lord.
The apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:4-9, tells us what to do to develop an inner smile, even when things on the outside don’t warrant a smile. Let’s see what he has to say – “Choose Joy”…
#1 BY REJOICING IN THE LORD – 4:4:
Observe that a positive mental attitude begins with rejoicing in the Lord. Realize what great, tremendous, and awesome blessings we have in Jesus Christ. That will help put life into perspective. The word “rejoice” is found 161 times in the Bible.
#2 BY CULTIVATING HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – 4:5:
Relative to interpersonal relationships, Paul writes: “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.” How is it that Jesus could “for the joy set before Him” endure the cross? (Hebrews 12:2). In part, it was because Jesus knew He had always been gentle with those around Him. Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). But He tried to cultivate human relationships and He knew that both His enemies’ animosity and His disciples’ betrayal were all out of ignorance. So He was gentle, sweet, and reasonable.
#3 BY NOT WORRYING – 4:6:
Notice in this verse that Paul (Thomas, 139):
1. Prohibits worry
2. Prescribes prayer
3. Promises peace
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Be thankful for what you have. Pray with thanksgiving. Fifty-one times the word “thanks” or a related word is found in the NT.
#5 BY RESTING IN THE PEACE OF GOD – 4:7:
The phrase “peace of God” is not found anywhere else in the NT – although “God of peace” is found in verse 9. This might be the peace that God provides. It might be peace we can have with God, peace from our sins. Or, it might even be deeper than that. It might be the peace that is found within the very heart of the Godhead!
#6 BY CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS – 4:8:
Notice what Paul writes in verse 8 – “think on these things.” We have to guard what we think about. If we think about sin, we’re going to give in. If we think about our fears, we’re going to worry. If we think about problems, we’re going to become cynical. If we think about our limitations, we’re going to be pessimistic.
#7 BY CONTROLLING OUR BEHAVIOR – 4:9:
Observe Paul says the “things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things.” Obedience is ultimately what is important. A life of joy and fellowship with God is based on submission to His will.
Choose joy in the Lord.
Just a reminder
–Paul Holland
