June 10 2026

Wednesday June 10

The Secret of Unshakable Joy

Philippians 3:1

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we begin a brand-new section in our study of Philippians. As we come to chapter 3, we have spent the last several weeks learning about the single mind in chapter 1 and the submissive, servant mind in chapter 2. We also looked at the examples of Jesus Christ, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Now, today, we turn our attention to the spiritual mind in chapter 3.

Paul begins this chapter by saying: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not tedious to me, but for you it is safe.” Now, when Paul says, “Finally,” he is not ending the letter. In fact, he still has two full chapters to go. The word simply means “furthermore” or “for the rest.” Paul is introducing a new section of this wonderful book.

The first thing Paul says as he introduces this section is, “Rejoice in the Lord.” That should catch our attention because, remember who is writing this? Paul is in prison. He might be executed. He does not know what the future holds for him. Yet he keeps talking about joy. How is that possible? It is because, as we have already learned, Paul’s joy is not found in circumstances. It is found in Jesus Christ.

There is a great difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on what happens. If things go our way, we are happy. If things do not go our way, we become unhappy. But joy is different. Joy is rooted in a relationship—our relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not based on circumstances. It is not based on changing things. It is based on the unchanging character of our Lord Jesus Christ. That means we can have joy even when life is difficult.

That is why James 1:2 says: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations.” Notice, he did not say if you fall into trials. He said when. Trials are a part of life. Difficulties are a part of life. Heartaches are a part of life. But joy can still be a part of life because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes.

The Apostle Paul understood that praise changes things. Remember in 2 Chronicles 20, when King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were being attacked? They were told, as they approached the enemy’s army, to put the singers and the choir out front and to sing praises to the Lord. Can you imagine that? But when the choir led the battle and sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever,” the Bible tells us that the Lord got involved, and the enemy began to flee. Praising the Lord prevails over the enemy. The rejoicing believer discovers God’s strength.

Now, let me be clear. Rejoicing does not mean we ignore our pain. There may be some people listening today, dear friends, who are carrying heavy burdens. Maybe you have recently received difficult medical news. Perhaps you are struggling financially. Maybe you are carrying a burden for a child or a grandchild. Or perhaps you are grieving the loss of someone you love. Paul does not say rejoice in those things. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” The Lord is still on His throne. His love has not changed. His promises have not changed. His power has not changed. His faithfulness has not changed. His mercy has not changed. No matter what is happening around us, Jesus remains the same. Our joy is not in what we possess. Our joy is in Who possesses us—and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then, as we look at the last part of this verse, Paul says something interesting: “To write the same things to you is not tedious to me, but for you it is safe.” Paul was not afraid to repeat important truths because repetition helps us greatly. We never outgrow the gospel. We never outgrow the cross. We never outgrow our need to trust in the Lord. So today, let me ask you a question: What is trying to rob your joy? Is it a difficult circumstance? A relationship problem? A health concern? Financial pressure? Fear about the future? Then take a few minutes today and focus on five things that are always true about Jesus. Repeat them to yourself: His love never fails. His power never diminishes. His presence never leaves us. His work on the cross is complete. His return is certain. When we begin to focus on these truths, I am telling you, joy will rise in our hearts.

Joy is not found in perfect circumstances. It is found in a perfect Person—Jesus Christ. And that joy can never be taken away.

Let’s pray together. Father, thank You that our joy is found in You and not in our circumstances. Help us to rejoice in the Lord every day when difficulties come. Remind us that You are still on the throne and that Your promises never fail. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and find our strength and our joy in Him alone.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!