Currently I am teaching an adult Sunday school class at our church on the book of Philippians. We’ve studied some background information about how Paul wrote from Rome where he was under house arrest and was being required to pay the wages and up keep of his guard, at least ten soldiers. Probably Paul was chained at the wrist to one guard. He was accused by deceitful religious leaders of crimes he had not committed. He had appealed to Caesar, but there was no further appeal as he waited for his trial to come.
Yet in this short letter, Paul uses the terms “joy,” “rejoice,” and “rejoicing” 21 times. He seized the opportunity to share the gospel with his guards. He expressed his thankfulness to the church at Philippi for praying on his behalf, for sending money, and for providing helpers.
Though we have Paul to look to, it still is hard to choose joy in all circumstances. When you are burdened and life is torn apart, acknowledge the joy in your very heart of hearts that comes from knowing He has you in the palm of His hand.