Prisoners of Joy

It's been two weeks since I went to the Camp Barakel ladies' retreat, and I have revisited my chapel service notes several times during that time. Lois taught so many important truths that weekend, but I keep coming back to her main theme that we, as Christians, are able to experience joy in our "prisons." She defined being in prison as being behind the bars of circumstances of which we have no ability to change. These could be major events in our lives, or something as simple, yet frustrating, as a canceled appointment. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances, but joy is that Christian good cheer which stems from the knowledge that our resources in Christ are adequate no matter what. It extends beyond the prison of our circumstances. Lois took us on a journey through the conversion of the Apostle Paul, then focused on the book of Philippians, written while he was imprisoned for his faith.

Believing Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" - allows us to look at our "prisons" as opportunities for the Lord to continue His work in us. Our altogether good God has orchestrated the details of our "prisons;" therefore, we can have confidence and joy that He will accomplish what is best for us, and sometimes others through us. In the midst of all our circumstances, we should pray as did Paul that "that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (Phil. 1:12) The Lord is refining His children until there is a family resemblance to His Son.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14) Many people are caught in the "prison" of their past by carrying guilt for some sin in their life. But if we're followers of Christ, and we've confessed that particular sin, we have no right to bring it up again. We must believe in I John 1:9 and forget what is past. Looking back robs our joy, while obedience brings us joy. He wants us to walk in the freedom of His forgiveness, experiencing the joy that will bring Him honor and glory.