Joy Challenge Video Devotional - Day 20: Kjell Axel Johanson
Click here to watch the video in a new window!
“Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 (TEV/NIV)
In Philippians 4 verses 6 through 8, the Apostle Paul offers us four ways we can always be joyful! Yesterday we looked at the first two in verses 6 and 7. The first one was, “Don’t worry about anything.” And the second, “Instead, pray about everything!” I love the way God replaces a negative, worry, with a positive, pray! Prayer brings me into the presence of God where there is fullness of joy! It shifts our focus from how big our problem is to how much bigger God is! Once our focus is on Him, our joy is restored! Where has your focus been? Have you practiced taking all your worries to God in prayer? Have you noticed a change in your perspective? In your attitude? In your joy tank? Way to go! Keep focusing on God and you’ll never lose your joy! One way to do that in prayer is found in the third principle Paul gives in Philippians 4:6.
Third, “… in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.” Philippians 4:6b (TEV) When you ask God for what you need you are presenting your requests to God. Paul said to do this with thanksgiving. Nothing will release your worries and free you up to experience the joy of the Lord quite like a thankful heart. Thank Him that He is bigger than your worries. Thank Him for using this opportunity in your life to show Himself mighty on your behalf. Thank Him in advance for supplying all your needs. Soon joy will replace the anxiety you were feeling with God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding. Paul said, “God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Wow! Talk about joy! A grateful heart that gives thanks is key to lasting joy!
Fourth, this principle is found in verse 8 where Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Here are eight qualities to think about that will replace worry in your life protecting your joy. Because you really can’t think about two things at once, he says to focus your thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Remember, joy is a focus and not a feeling. As you focus your mind to think about these things, you’ll keep your joy in the Lord!
You can keep your joy even when The Joy Challenge is over. When people and circumstances threaten to drain your joy tank, it’s time to take action. Stop worrying, start praying, give thanks in all things and think about the right things. Be intentional! God will honor your faith and guard your joy! In verse 9, Paul concludes by telling us to put these things we’ve learned into practice. I can’t think of a better time to begin than now. Practice these four principles and see what happens to your joy.
Printed copies of The Joy Challenge devotional are available at The Joy Challenge - Kerry Shook Ministries.