“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:18b-21).

What’s your favorite sports team to watch? By far, mine is the Carolina Hurricanes men’s hockey team – Go Canes! I love the players, the fast paced game, the energy of the fans, and it’s particularly nice to be one of the top teams in the NHL. Winning is also a great thing – the fans go crazy, the coaches are happy, the players rejoice with each other before treating the crowd to their unique post-win celebration. When your team wins, do you have some celebratory dances or routines?

Unfortunately, even the best teams cannot win every game. Eventually, they have to lose, too.  Paul is writing about a type of joy that can be found, whether we are facing wins or losses!

Paul says at the end of verse 18 that he will continue to rejoice… and let us remember that he is writing this from prison! He finishes this section with what is now a very popular verse: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” He knows that life with Christ will have its ups and downs, but through it all, even suffering and death, Paul finds joy in every moment. This joy is an attitude of the heart that is pointed towards God, with gratitude and peace, and is sometimes even thought of as a spiritual gift. 

Just because you live fully into the joy of Christ does not mean you won’t face trials and suffering. Paul would be the first one to tell us that. But this letter from Paul also reminds us that when there are trials and suffering, we can still look to Christ for a type of joy that is always with us. 

Undoubtedly, the joy found in Christ is so much greater than the happiness that comes from winning a sporting game. It takes practice to achieve, as such joy does not just happen. You could start a journal with items/instances that you’re grateful for, or even get into the practice of praying even when things are good. The joy that comes from the Lord is not temporary, unlike the happiness when your team wins. This joy is everlasting, through all trials and suffering that will come alongside it, and that is what makes it worth reaching for. 

Lord, help us this week to search for the deep and abounding joy that you offer to us. Allow us to cultivate the practices needed to fully step into this joy, whether we are in the midst of suffering or not. Teach us to be grateful through all the wins and losses, and to pray for the peace that only you can give. Let us never forget your faithful promises and the work that you do in our lives, now and forever. In your name we pray, Amen.