Day SIX
BEGIN
Pray to experience joy in Christ through our theme verse:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Review the memory verse for the week:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
READ
Read and meditate on this passage today: Philippians 4:1-20
Look for what you learn about God and listen for what the Spirit is saying to you through the Word of God. Who is Paul’s joy and crown? Notice the command repeated twice in verse four.
Philippians 4:1–20
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Look again at verse 4. How do you think “joy” can be commanded? (Hint: think about how we defined joy on Day One of last week.) For what did Paul rejoice greatly?
PRAY
As the Spirit leads, let these themes guide you in your prayer today:
- Thank God for brothers and sister whom you love.
- Confess any conflict with a fellow brother or sister.
- Ask God to give you the strength to rejoice always.
- Pray for God’s peace that transcends all understanding.
- Pray to be content no matter the circumstances in God’s strength.
JOURNAL
What are you learning about God as you seek to experience joy in Christ?
What do you sense God is saying to you through this passage?
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SHARE
Talk with your prayer partner about what you are learning, how you are growing to experience more joy in Christ. Pray together.
