the book of joy

I've been reading through Philippians recently, which I meant to start at the beginning of summer, but alas, life happens. It's interesting because it is so aptly referred to as "the book of joy" but honestly, it's not a very happy book. It's not saying to be happy because life is always awesome and everything is so carefree; it's saying to have joy because the Word of the Lord, the love of the God, the salvation given by grace is our strength to endure hardship and persecution. And the general doom and gloom of this earth.

Now, I, in the little bubble of my parents' care and the various opportunities allotted to my socioeconomic status, I have never had to endure persecution. I have been stressed out of my mind, hurt so deeply that I lost sight of what was important in life, but even those causes are nothing compared to the real suffering of millions, billions around the world. Even here in the U.S., unemployment plagues hard-working families, natural disasters devastate homes, and an overwhelming depression infests the hundreds of people I see pass by me on the metro or on the streets. Every generation asks: what has the world come to? But some consider right now by far the worst state of humanity in its existence. If we can't trust our government, we can't trust our physicians, we can't even trust ourselves, let alone those we consider close to us, how do we have any will to keep living in this imperfect world?

Well, not to be all Sunday school-esque, but the answer is Jesus, says Philippians.

Pessimism is not an option. Righteousness comes from faith alone. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. Pride is useless, worldly possessions are useless, earthly confidence is useless. All rubbish, Paul says.

The fountain of our joy is Jesus! Our security rests in Jesus! The ultimate perfection of our faith is Jesus!

Honestly, because I studied this book in FG last summer, reading through feels a little too familiar to me. I feel like I'm reading words I already know and rethinking insights/lessons that I've already gained. And I mean, Paul repeats himself over and over again. Nevertheless, this book won't let me be. This book is SHOUTING at me, saying, Sarah. Can't you see? All of this is so temporary. The real deal - beyond all your anxieties and insecurities and hurts - the real deal is Jesus. And the joy you were so desperately looking for at the beginning of this summer? It's been here all along. Right here, in this book, in this Savior who came down, became obedient to death and bore the burden of your sins, and then rose again to the highest place next to your Father, who loves you.

It's seriously SHOUTING at me:

Sarah.

BE JOYFUL!

WHAT IS THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS COMPARED TO THE RACE TOWARDS THE JOY and LOVE and WHOLENESS FOUND IN CHRIST JESUS?

And you know, with that, this short little book of only 4 chapters makes me feel so small and so big at the same time. I cannot boast, but I cannot complain. I can do all things through Him, but God does His work in me.

The perfect song lyrics that always come to mind are: "All of my life, in every season, you are still God. I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship. I will bring praise, I will bring praise, no weapon formed against me shall remain. I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my victory and He is here."

All glory and honor and praise to Him, who is worthy of such things.