The One with Chasing Joy
By Phil and Cecilia Kim
Philippians 4:4-7
Phil and Cecilia shared parallel testimonies of their journeys in their spiritual lives and how they had become intertwined with one another. Cecilia shared her journey growing up in New York then moving to Texas once she finished school after her parents to then meet, though hesitantly, who she’d eventually marry. Phil shared his testimony of drifting in and out of church piety during his time in graduate school and almost being married to someone else but how he found “peace that surpassed all understanding from God,” as found in Phillipians 4:7. A common thread of what the two shared being obedience to God garnering peace and joy. Their obedience brought them together and the life they now share. “Sometimes it takes a while to be comfortable with obedience, but those small steps forward guide us to be better discerning. Cecilia shared the whirlwind of her new life once marrying Phil. The wedding, the kids, the shepherd role, the realities of home life, and an unfortunate mishap with the house itself incessantly inundated their lives. When would she finally be “done”?
Question: Do you have joy in your life?
The chase for joy is an impossible mission. True Joy cannot be achieved but given by God.
1. Joy comes from the Lord and in the Lord, not from circumstances.
The word “joy” appears ~400 times in the Bible vs “happiness”, appearing ~10 times. Happiness is based on external things. Joy comes from God’s constant sustenance.
Question: How can we feel joy through the busyness of life or during active suffering?
In our culture, we are taught to keep working through it. But joy comes from God regardless of what’s happening to us. Psalm 16:11 Focus on who God is and not what we’re going through. Even through the storm, God is with us and He is near. We can either let problems overwhelm us or lean into God and trust Him. Paul wrote these words in Philippians from prison. His joy was in the Lord and not from what his circumstances were. With this joy in the Lord, He will transform our circumstances.
2. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. – Galatians 5:22-23
Joy doesn’t come from the world, but from the Spirit. Be rooted in Christ to bear fruit, like joy.
Joy doesn’t come naturally for Phil. But having a close relationship with God brings joy and a unique perspective. He sees it in him receiving things he doesn’t deserve during the hustle and bustle of life. Phil shared his story with trees at his house. It’s so important to ensure the roots are solidified and fed for a tree, even seemingly big and strong ones, grow and thrive.It’s through those consistent, seemingly mundane tasks to find joy. It’s not the goal but a byproduct of this practice.
3. Joy in trusting in God’s sovereignty. Nehemiah 8:10, James 1:2-3
4. Joy comes through gratitude and prayer.
When we encounter God’s blessings, we are reminded of how sufficient He is in our lives. There are many things to yearn for in the world, but they pale in comparison to the joy God gives us. Joy is not something we achieve, but something received from cultivating a relationship with God.
Discussion Questions:
Have you experienced true joy?
Are you still in it now? Why/why not?
