{Joy Day 24} Stand Firm in the Lord

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Philippians 3:18 – 4:1, emphasis added

What an encouragement from Paul!  He gives the Philippians four causes for joy.

1. Eternal Citizenship … We are called co-heirs with Christ and our home is with Him and the Father in heaven.
2. Existing Savior … The God we serve is not buried in a tomb, He is living and waiting to call us home with Him.
3. Enduring Hope … The trials of this life, whether physical, emotional, mental, or otherwise, will one day come to an end.  We will be changed to become like Him.
4. Enabling Power … The same power of God that raised Christ from the dead is at work in each of us to equip us for the tasks He has for us.

Sometimes we lose sight of the reasons we have for joy in Christ.  We forget that He promised us joy not from the fading things of this world but in light of the unfading truth of eternity with Him.   Today, will you stand firm in the Lord, believing that He will keep His Word?

Lord, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the mundane things of everyday living.   The laundry, the cleaning, the cooking, the training of young minds, and the building of my marriage can leave me drained, wobbly-legged.   But You have given me cause for joy, cause for hope, cause for strength and, in that, You call me to stand firm.   Cause me to remember that it is only in You that I can stand firm … my own footing is unsure but You have set my feet upon the rock.   Keep my heart stayed on You and my mind firm in You.   In Jesus’ name, Amen.