Read Philippians 4:1-9. Spiritual stability is the burden of most, if not all, the writers of the New Testament; they plead with us to stand firm, hold fast, and contend for the faith. In 1 Thessalonians 3:8, Paul explains, “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” When God’s people have the joy of the Lord, they stand firm in faith—they live abundantly, tasting even today the promises of heaven. Likewise, if we want to live in spiritual stability, we must take care to maintain our joy. In Philippians 4:1-9, Paul describes four ways to maintain joy in the Lord. First, be united with other believers by majoring on the majors—that means uphold Biblical Truth but submit to one another in minor matters of opinion. Second, rejoice in the Lord by spending time with Him. Third, when you are tempted to complain, talk to God—bring your burdens to Him and receive His peace. And fourth, fill your mind with godly thoughts, remembering that you are what you think. Spiritual instability is dangerous; it leads to spiritual burnout and discouragement, to doubt and total ineffectiveness in the ministry of Christ. But the joy of the Lord has the power to stabilize our souls and minister to others for eternity if only we will take care to cultivate it. Prayer: Lord, thank You for the body of believers; help us follow You together with grace and mercy for one another. May I turn to You in all things and think according to the goodness of Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Read Philippians 3. The moment you are born again by the Spirit of God, you are a new creation in Christ with an inescapable desire for spiritual growth. It’s a desire God calls every Christian to pursue because there is no end to knowing and becoming like Christ. In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us that we cannot grow spiritually when we place our confidence in our own efforts. That way leads to destruction (see v. 19). Rather, to grow spiritually, we must “rejoice in the Lord!” (v. 1)—taking joy in Christ’s redemptive work and trusting the power of the Holy Spirit in us. How do we do this? We take steps of faith! Like Paul, we are to exercise the muscles of faith God has given us—stepping out in obedience as God leads. In so doing, we strive for the same prize Paul sought after with such passion: Jesus Christ Himself. So, let us “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of [us]” (v. 12). Let us forget what is behind and boast in Christ—the sure hope of glory. As we keep our eyes on Christ and obey Him with glad hearts, He will grow us in righteousness, prepare us for our citizenship in heaven, and lead us in abundant joy from here to eternity. Prayer: Holy Spirit, work in me to grow my faith. Empower me to live a godly life that flows from deep rejoicing in God Almighty and the wonders of His love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have you ever played the comparison game? The rules are simple: Look at what other people have or do, and then desire those things or accomplishments for yourself. This so-called “game” brings discontentment and envy. The Bible teaches that we are to be content with the life God has given us (see Philippians 4:11-12). This does not mean that we settle for less or stop trying to reach our goals. Contentment is something God has designed for us. Whether we are single or married, we can achieve contentment and peace within our hearts. In order to do this, we must first discover who we are in Christ and realize what He has done for us. He has saved us from an eternal death and chosen us as His beloved children. During the apostle Paul’s time, some Jews were not content being Jews. It was fashionable to act as Gentiles. On the other hand, some Gentiles didn’t think they were spiritual enough as Christians unless they became like the Jews. They each thought the other had something more. Do you ever compare yourself to someone you think is more spiritual? Do you think less of your prayer life when you compare it to that of a prayer warrior you admire? Do you feel inadequate to share your testimony after hearing someone else share his? God does not measure your life against the life of another. He calls you to follow Christ and His example with the strength He has provided through His Spirit. Therefore, don’t allow people to pressure you into doing what is popular. Don’t long for their possessions and personal achievements. Seek God and learn to be content with what He has provided. As you seek His face and focus on glorifying Him, you will continue to be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my all-sufficiency. Teach me to be content as Your child and to set my eyes on the promise of eternity with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

As you search for comfort in your frustrations, learn how to identify the specific sources of impatience in your life. What are some common causes of impatience? Many times, impatience stems from a narrow worldview and unrealistic expectations. Sometimes we’re impatient when we don’t see God actively at work in our situation. Other times our priorities are off balance, and God is not at the top of our list. Do you recognize any of these in your life? Do you feel angry when your spouse doesn’t go along with your plans? Are you frustrated easily when your schedule is changed or you are faced with a long wait? Or perhaps you have noticed that as you’ve grown more distant from the Lord, you have become more easily agitated in general. If you find yourself growing impatient with others, remind yourself that “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Ask God to teach you how to be patient in everyday life. Praise God for His amazing character. Thank Him for His patience with you, for withholding His wrath and sending His Son to die for your sins. By focusing on God, you will remind yourself that heaven is your real home, and then the little aggravations of this world will affect you less. Prayer: Father, help me recognize the source of my impatience. Teach me how to be patient, especially in those situations that are most challenging for me. Thank You for being patient with me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Read Philippians 2:12-18. Our society is riddled with discontentment. Why? Because our culture tells us we are the center of our lives—that everything should be ordered around whatever whims and delights emerge from our hearts. But, my friends, our hearts are deceitful (see Jeremiah 17:9). The Truth is that supreme joy is found only in the divine Creator of the universe—only in the infinitely and eternally majestic. As Christians, we must guard ourselves against the dangerous attitude of discontentment that our culture propagates. When we grumble against God’s will for our lives, we drown out the joy of the Lord, we disregard the awesomeness of our salvation, and we mistrust the sovereign, loving hand of God. When we grumble, we show the world that we are trying to do life our own way, relying on our own strength and wisdom. But this attitude only weakens our faith and makes us ineffective witnesses for Christ. Non-believers will look at our grumbling and think, “Who wants that? I’m fine the way I am.” God designed us for greater things than grumbling—He made us to reflect His glory for eternity—His virtue, love, righteousness, and more! Today, rejoice in God’s purpose for you. As you do, you will rise above trials and suffering and carry the light of life to those lost in the darkness of discontentment. Prayer: Jesus, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. All things hold together in You, and all things were created through You and for You. May this Truth humble me so that I rejoice in You whatever my circumstances. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Read Philippians 2:1-11. “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). What joy compelled the Son of God to suffer crucifixion? What joy compelled the divine King of the universe to leave His heavenly throne, enter our brokenness as a poor man with nowhere to lay His head, and, though sinless, suffer mockery, scorn, beating, humiliation, and death? It was the joy of our redemption, the joy of ushering all believers into the glorious throne room of God now and for eternity (see Ephesians 2:6-7). And ultimately, it was the joy of bringing glory to Almighty God, who extends grace and mercy to sinful people. Do you long to experience unshakable joy? We do not become joyful people by making much of ourselves, but by making much of God, the only one deserving of praise. Today, respond to Paul’s call to take on the attitude of Jesus (see Philippians 2:5-8). Set your eyes on the Savior. If Christ, who from eternity deserves exaltation, made Himself low, how much more should we? When we comprehend the enormity of the cost of our redemption, it will humble us. And far from making us depressed or discouraged, this humility will produce deep, soulful rejoicing, for God is worthy, and He saves and exalts the humble. Prayer: Lord, I long to be a person of unshakable joy. I know this comes by focusing on You. Help me follow You by the strength of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.