The Serious Business Of Joy

For the follower of Jesus, joy is serious business. Indeed, if anyone in this hurting world is capable of having a happy heart it should be those who love Christ and know He loves them. But even for believers, circumstances can make being joyful 
a challenge. Take for example, the Philippian Christians of Paul’s day. Times were atrociously tough for them. They were undergoing frightening persecution for their faith and most of them were struggling with the daily grind of living in deep poverty. Back then they were simply looking for 
a little relief through a bit of happiness ... just like people still do today. But the problem with happiness is that it can be elusive to find and, once you do, it disappears so easily. Knowing this, Paul speaks to the hearts of Christ’s followers about where true happiness (joy) is found and 
 how to hang on to it. Here in Philippians 3:1-3 
 we’ll learn God’s principles for a happier heart so that we’ll more fully experience the joy Jesus gives and also be better able to bring His joy to others as our testimony of Him.