THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH: REFOCUS

Our lives are filled with distraction. There is so much noise in the world around us and in our heads. Cell phones, conflicts, work, Facebook, television, advertising, relationships, and the unique set of voices in our own heads all conspire to cloud our thinking with a cocktail of confusion and frustration. We spend our time doing lots of things, but finding that we are not really ever satisfied by anything. We want our lives to make a difference, but there is a shroud of futility that drains our energy and our hope. We need to reset and refocus. What will help us sort through all the noise and confusion? In our sermon series, The Joy of The Lord is Our Strength, the sermon is, Refocus. We will look at Philippians 4:4-13.  In this short letter, Paul uses the words for “mind,” “thinking,” and “thought” numerous times. He recognizes that if we are going to find the strength of joy, hope, and peace we will have to overcome the noise of the world around us and rethink many of our priorities. Change is never easy, but if we refocus then the benefit is clear and evident for our lives. It is worth the risk to refocus because we can regain a sense of direction and the strength of a quiet confidence in God’s power at work in our lives. As you read Philippians 4:4-13, we pray that you will be filled with a sense that the Lord is by your side, clarifying your mind and restoring your soul. Philippians 4:4-13: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me– put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)