2024! WOW! Here it comes in less than two weeks!

Many of us set goals and resolutions as we launch into a new year. One of mine is to eat more grits.  That should probably be one of yours as well. How will you start the new year? What will you set and keep as your priorities?

Another goal and prayer that I have for 2024 is to more deeply experience the joy of God.  Life can be so challenging and it is too easy for us to lose heart and have a lack of joy. But, joy is a key mark of a follower of Christ.  In the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galtians 5:22, joy is the second thing listed.  This tells me that as I am more surrendered to the work of the Spirit in my life, the more joy I will experience.  

But what is biblical joy?

The Holman Bible Dictionary defines joy as, “The happy state that results from knowing and serving God.”  Notice what that definition does not say.  Biblical joy is NOT dependent on life circumstances. It is a much deeper reality. C.S. Lewis wrote in The Four Loves, “Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.”  The Disciple’s Study Bible says that joy, “Conquers circumstances. It communicates contentment. It comes from God Himself. Joy is not a superficial happiness or sentimental feeling. Joy is an abiding confidence in God.” Who wouldn’t want more of that?

So to grow in biblical joy, we need to pursue and nurture what cannot be taken away from us, our relationship with God.

But like any new goal, you need a plan.  There are plenty of things out there that can serve as a plan for pursuing and nurturing your relationship with God but here is one I have created for the start of the new year and could be one for you to consider. 

Four Weeks in Philippians

There are 4 chapters in the letter to the Phillippians and just over 4 weeks in the month of January. 

I am choosing this particular book of the BIble for a few  reasons.

1. JOY is a theme of the book. The idea and word come up several times.
2. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from less than joyous circumstances.  He was in a Roman prison. 
3. Paul very clearly presents the person of Jesus, the value of knowing Jesus, and gives practical thoughts on pursuing and living for Jesus.
4. It is a short, easy to read letter.

THE PLAN

Dedicate each week of January to a different chapter of the book. You can read 7 days a week, 5 days a week, 3 days a week, or even 1 day a week.  I recommend at least 3.  I also recommend having a pen and journal handy.  That may not be normal for you but I want to challenge you to give it a try. 

1. Set aside 20-30 minutes each day where you can have as few distractions as possible.
2. Spend a couple of minutes in prayer, asking God to help you focus and hear what He has for you that day.
3. Read.

DAY 1 OF EACH WEEK:

At the beginning of each week, read through the entire book of Philippians. It will take about 15 minutes. This is important because it is a letter and was meant to be read that way. When you read it all the way through in one sitting, you gain a better understanding of the flow of thought.

Make note in your journal or in your mind of anything that stands out, challenges you, or encourages you. I like to underline and circle words and phrases in my Bible as well. 

Pray: End your time by asking to help remember and put into practice what you read today.

THE OTHER DAYS OF EACH WEEK

Slowly read through the chapter for that week. Ie. In week 1, read through chapter 1 each day. So if you are reading 5 days a week you will have read the entire book once and then the chapter 4 more times (I think my math is correct..but double check my answer).

As you read, use these questions to help you hear what God may be saying to you about growing in your relationship with Him. I recommend reading through the questions before you read the Bible passage. This will help you focus.

1. What does this passage reveal about God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)?
2. What does this passage teach us about being a follower of Jesus? This may be clear or implied.
3. How do I see the idea of JOY represented in this chapter? How does that challenge me?
4. What are the key words or ideas in the passage and how do they help us understand what is being said?
5. Is there some kind of action that this passage calls me to?
   Is there a sin to confess?
   Is there something to thank God for?
   Is there someone I need to pray for because of this passage? Is there a behavior I need to change? Is there someone I need to encourage with this Truth?

When you are done, make note of what you learned that day. 

Pray

Finish your time for the day by thanking God for Who He is, what He is teaching you and ask for help in living it out. 

My prayer is that all of us would grow in joy  through our knowledge and intimacy with God. 

Have a great 2024!