Next week we will begin reading reading chapter 2 of Philippians in our journey to joy here at The Littlest Way. I’m reading…and I invite you all to come alongside…one chapter of Philippians each week in its entirety daily. Last week I purposed to read chapter 1, Monday through Friday. Did you? Were you able to glean new insights each day? Did God reveal a bit more each time you read? Did you dig a bit deeper at each reading? Here is the worksheet I created to guide us along, help us consider a bit more, and just examine what Paul is saying in chapter 2. Philippians Chapter 2 Worksheet
Philippians Chapter 2…Journey to Joy
Are you struggling? Yeah, me too. If it’s not one thing it definitely is another. And just because our struggles are “First World Problems” doesn’t mean they aren’t real struggles. Paul was in prison and Epaphroditus almost died…and they were still joyful. I want that kind of joy–even with my “little problems”– that doesn’t depend on anything other than God’s love for me.
Sometimes, when the going gets tough and the world is rough, I just need a reminder of who I am in Christ and how God feels about me. This reminder of who I am and Who loves me helps me keep my head up and my feet moving in the right direction…one step at a time…one foot in front of the other.
Where could you use some of Paul and Eupaphroditus’ joy right now? Financial woes hounding you? Stress and tension in your marriage? Kids–they come with their own set of issues that don’t go away as they grow huh? Mount laundry never ending and the dishes are crusty? And the dust bunnies…what is up with them?
Thankfully, our joy doesn’t depend or rest in this world; that would be a depressing thought to say the least. Our joy rests in the Beginning and the End for all eternity. Grab on to that my sisters in Christ. You are His…always have been, always will be, and He sees you right now.
Again, please God, I hope to stop by and share some insight from my daily repetition of reading chapter 2 of Philippians. I’d love to see what you have to say in the comments.
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Michelle says
25 With regard to Epaphroditus,* my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister in my need, I consider it necessary to send him to you.
26 For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was ill.
27 He was indeed ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him, not just on him but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
I would love to share a couple of reflections on soldiers and sorrow.
25. In an effort to help my kids understand why mass is important (with 2 young adults who have gone away from it’s benefits and a fifteen yr. old whom I can see the struggle ensuing within), and as a military family, I wanted an analogy that mirrored a soldier, since we are all called to become one in Confirmation. So when we got home, I asked my husband what the soldier’s best or most important weapon was and he responded, “His belief.” Wow! That’s it! He has to believe in what he is fighting for!
27. Paul was clearly sorrowful. And so it’s true that even in sorrow, we can be joyful. The Holy Father tells us that joy is a gift. What I like about gifts is that we don’t have to possess a high intellect to have them ~ otherwise I’d be sunk.
Speaking of the Holy Father, check out what he has to say about joy.
http://www.catholic.org/video/watch.php?v=7698#.VAWhhEa4B50.email