Joy From a Prison Cell (Philippians 4:4)

Written from a cell

Paul wasn't writing from a comfortable office. He was in prison, with none of the comforts we take for granted, and he still wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Then he said it again, as if he knew readers would push back.

Joy isn't a mood

Happiness rises and falls with what happens to us. Joy is anchored in the Lord. DeWayne's example: a flat tire might be the thing that kept you out of an accident, so you can praise God while you're sweating on the side of the road. One participant added another angle. Thank God you have a truck to get a flat in.

The bookend

Verse 4 is the first bookend. Prayer and thanksgiving sit in the middle, and the peace of God that surpasses understanding is the other bookend. Start with joy and the rest follows.

Try this

• Next time something goes wrong, say one thing you're thankful for before you complain.
• Read Philippians 4:4-7 together as one passage.