Joy Amidst the Mundane

Another normal day in the off season here at camp. These 8 to 5 days can be challenging. I rarely work in sight of other people. Just me, myself, and I. To some, that would sound ideal. There are times it sounds that way to me too. But some days, the loneliness and exhaustion hit. While those emotions and feelings may be legitimate, I still have a duty in my response to the "harder" days.

A few days ago I felt kind of down and couldn’t really pin why. My thoughts were not self-centered or controlling me. I fed my brain truth for pretty much the entirety of the workday. However, something still just seemed off. I have been studying Philippians, and some thoughts keep coming back to me. Joy. Unexplainable joy. Not the joy I was possessing, but the joy Paul so evidently demonstrated despite his less than ideal circumstances. Not only was there genuine joy, but the reason for his joy is so clearly explained throughout the book. The heartbeat of Paul’s ministry was for the glory of God, advancement of the gospel, and unity among the believers. Because there is such purpose in that kind of living, there was always a reason to rejoice.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. To live is Christ. Let that sink in. Why should my emotions fluctuate so greatly if I am really believing that to live is Christ? Letting circumstances dictate your emotional response to things is sin. It is as plain of a statement as that. It’s sin. And if we go back to the fundamental truths of why I sin, it’s because I am not wholeheartedly believing in the promises of God. So this kind of living takes a whole lot of intentionality and humility. We must be proactive in recognizing where we tend to give into temptation. For me, it is often letting circumstances control my responses. Whether it is an outward response or an utmost inner yearning, if my mind is not fixated on who Christ is, then my emotions will always be on a rollercoaster. But, Christ. But because of who Christ is. But because of who I am in Christ. We do not have to live in defeat. Paul so clearly reveals that for us. As our minds are fixed on him, we will have this unexplainable peace. But we must be doing our part. Keeping our minds steadfastly on the sovereignty, goodness, faithfulness, love, supremacy, holiness, and power of our God. Keep your mind there today. Run back to truth when you do falter. His mercies are new every morning.