Joy in the darkness?

​Don't you care? 

Have you ever said those words to God? 


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There are instances that will arise in life, that will cause us to have a time of questioning.   When we face painful circumstances beyond our control, we tend to feel isolated and depressed.  We wonder, if God sees, hears our cries, and feels our pain.  

Why are we going through this?  
Why do I feel so much brokenness and hopelessness?  

Let’s focus for a moment on the many trials, isolated and pain that the apostle Paul experienced.  He writes the letter to the Philippians from a cold prison floor.  This letter is often called “joyful” yet here he is in this horrible place. How can he write of joy? 
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I say, "Thank you Paul."  I find spiritual renewal each time I read the book of Philippians. 
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Joy found in a dark dungeon.  Paul is isolated, and yet inspires others!

"Joy" and "rejoice" are mentioned numerous times in this book.
God gives us a wonderful prescription to heal our hearts with this letter of joy.  

Paul writes this inspiring letter from a lonely prison cell, chained.   He is uncertain if he will see a new day dawn.  With all this heavy load it is astonishing how Paul lives for Christ and through the  strength of Christ.  

“I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”   Philippians 4:13
Key word here is “through.”  Paul finds his source of strength to go on “through” Christ living in him.  Christ is his anchor.  The chains on his hands and feet do not have a hold on his mind and heart. 

Paul depends on no other - only on Christ. 

​People will disappoint you in life.
Your finances may dry up.
Your body may grow weak and fail you. 
You may be criticized and ridiculed. 
Friends and family may abandon you. 
But through it all, Christ will sustain you. 
This life is temporary - focus on what lies ahead as Paul did. 

Here and now…
We live through Christ and the inner joy only He can give. 
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Phillipians 1:29   
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

It is not the will of God that we ALL be free of trials, pain and suffering.
​We will suffer, but we can find comfort. 

Phillipians 1:6 
​Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
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  Focus on Christ within you and draw on His strength. 
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There is JOY to be found where you are now.

​Focus on Christ. 

Paul had Christ with him there in that prison cell.  He was there in his heart.  
Paul knew Christ felt the coldness of that hard floor and the pain of the  heavy chains against his skin.   Paul still had His inner  joy.   We can too. 

Look to Him, tell Him you know He cares and will strengthen you. 
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​Focus on Christ. 
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For after the rain, comes refreshing growth...
​you leave the storm spiritually stronger. 

The valleys in our life are unavoidable. 
God cares, He hears, He feels our pain.  

The next valley you enter or the next storm that pops up out of nowhere,
​  know that there is still joy hidden deep inside you (Christ).  He cares for you.    
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​1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.