August 27, 2025
Right thinking leads to right feeling.
We talked about this on Sunday. We get joy from what we have decided to delight in. Most of our unhappiness in life is from unmet or misplaced expectations. Most of our lives are lived out in pursuit of what we think will make us happy or joyful.
Knowing this, Paul prays for anyone who would read this letter to his friends in Philippi:
‘I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. ‘
Philippians 1:9-10 NLT
If we understand what really matters, then we will live out our lives in pursuit of it. I would like to spend less time on the things that don’t matter. Paul encourages us to live out our lives in pursuit of Jesus. To KNOW Him, be found in Him, and to live like Jesus (Philippians 3:8-10). Jesus doesn’t disappoint.
God has given us a readily available way to know Him: His Word. If you are struggling with joy, lean in to spending time in God’s word and maybe pray this over yourself this week:
‘Teach me your decrees, O Lord ; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. ‘
Psalms 119:33-37 NLT
Hope you have great week!
See you Sunday!
-Tim Sewalt