The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the first chapter of Philippians—his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.

The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the first chapter of Philippians—his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.

Fill in the blank: “For me to live is _______________.” Be honest, now. What, exactly, is the essence of living for you? Is it success? Or money? How about your family? Anything could be put into the blank, but if you didn’t write “Christ” then a life of joy is based on circumstances. Circumstances are ever changing, like the comings and goings of the tide. But a Christ-centred life is rock solid—it’s the only way to live.

Fill in the blank: “For me to live is _______________.” Be honest, now. What, exactly, is the essence of living for you? Is it success? Or money? How about your family? Anything could be put into the blank, but if you didn’t write “Christ” then a life of joy is based on circumstances. Circumstances are ever changing, like the comings and goings of the tide. But a Christ-centred life is rock solid—it’s the only way to live.

Fill in the blank: “For me to live is _______________.” Be honest, now. What, exactly, is the essence of living for you? Is it success? Or money? How about your family? Anything could be put into the blank, but if you didn’t write “Christ” then a life of joy is based on circumstances. Circumstances are ever changing, like the comings and goings of the tide. But a Christ-centred life is rock solid—it’s the only way to live.

Who in your life brings a smile to your face every time you think of him or her? Do you have such a person? If you do, then you’ll identify with Paul’s opening words to the Philippian Christians. You’ll understand Paul’s confidence in God, who was working in the Philippians’ lives, and Paul’s desire to see those in the Philippian church again. And though years and distance separated them, nothing could dislodge his joyful memories of them.

Who in your life brings a smile to your face every time you think of him or her? Do you have such a person? If you do, then you’ll identify with Paul’s opening words to the Philippian Christians. You’ll understand Paul’s confidence in God, who was working in the Philippians’ lives, and Paul’s desire to see those in the Philippian church again. And though years and distance separated them, nothing could dislodge his joyful memories of them.

Who in your life brings a smile to your face every time you think of him or her? Do you have such a person? If you do, then you’ll identify with Paul’s opening words to the Philippian Christians. You’ll understand Paul’s confidence in God, who was working in the Philippians’ lives, and Paul’s desire to see those in the Philippian church again. And though years and distance separated them, nothing could dislodge his joyful memories of them.

“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). How true Solomon’s words are, and if the healing medicine of joy was ever needed, it is needed in our day. We live in a world surrounded by heartache and sorrow, leaving our hearts diseased by discouragement and depression. But centuries ago, God directed Paul to write a letter of exuberant joy—a letter that transcends time and culture. It’s time to laugh again and find healing for your soul.

“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). How true Solomon’s words are, and if the healing medicine of joy was ever needed, it is needed in our day. We live in a world surrounded by heartache and sorrow, leaving our hearts diseased by discouragement and depression. But centuries ago, God directed Paul to write a letter of exuberant joy—a letter that transcends time and culture. It’s time to laugh again and find healing for your soul.