Joy — Philippians 4 – Monday
TODAY’S VERSE
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (ESV)
Throughout my life, I have known and been taught by some amazing women. My mom was a single mom, raising my older brother and me alone. I know what true work ethic is because of her. My mother-in-law has been my go-to when I need parenting advice or encouragement in the Lord. I’ve had so many teachers invest more than just education into me, one of them I lovingly referred to as Nanny.
But when I think of the command in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always," I think of my Aunt Barb. Barb calls me Floss, Flossie-Jane, Flossie-Belle, etc. and 38 years later, I still don’t know why. I call her Barbrie (not to be confused with the blonde plastic doll.) Barbrie shows that rejoicing in the Lord is more than a smile or a feeling; it's a steady selfless trust that overflows into a life of service. Through countless meals cooked, floors cleaned, prayers offered, and acts of kindness given, she demonstrates that a joyful heart devoted to God can make even the ordinary tasks of life a beautiful act of worship.
My Aunt Barb is the kind of person whose life quietly reflects the love of Christ. At 81 years old, she is humble, loyal, and full of joy. She rarely sits still because she is always looking for someone to help, a meal to prepare, a chore to finish, or a need to meet. Her hands are constantly serving, but her heart is constantly rejoicing. She doesn't seek attention or recognition; she simply loves people well.
Her joy isn't found in ease or comfort but in caring for others and faithfully doing the work set before her. Aging and health have made things a little harder. Her hands can’t grip mason jar lids like they used to, and she can’t use steel wool to scour her cast iron skillets anymore. (Can you tell that I’m from Eastern KY?!) Through it all, she has never chosen comfort or ease. She has chosen joy, to pray and serve, and to teach others what rejoicing in the Lord always looks like.
How many moments of joy do we miss because comfort feels easier than participation or service? Joy often waits on the other side of obedience. Sometimes we must get out of the chair, step into the moment even when life gets hard, and embrace what God has placed before us. You may discover that the joy you've been searching for is waiting where God is calling you to go.
APPLICATION
Find one opportunity today to serve someone in a practical way without being asked and without expecting recognition. Check out southland.church/volunteer if you need help deciding how you can serve within the church.
PRAYER
Father, help me not to choose comfort over obedience. Open my eyes to the opportunities for joy You place in front of me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.