Onward Christian Soldier

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life and some of the stupid decisions you have made? Has this ever robbed you of your joy and spun you into a downward cycle of feeling depressed and unhappy with the circumstances or challenges you face? The truth is that I have been feeling this way as of late. Just frustrated with trying to run a business, taking on jobs and not quoting quite right and worn out from lack of proper sleep. All of this leading to a bad diet... I never knew how well energy drinks worked until I got as tired as I did this last week. I finally cleaned out my truck today as I finally took some time off to just get my head on straight and here is what I cleaned out of my truck: Five garbage bags full of junk (empty chip bags, McD's meals, random papers etc), $15 worth of empty bottles ( water, pop and energy bottles), and a whole bunch of tools that needed to be organized properly... I know right? I need serious help. All of this to say that I am human and I am sure that many of you can relate in some way.

Here is where the hope and joy comes into effect. Have you ever read the book of Philippians? Next time you are depressed pick it up and give a read. Here is what stood out to me and encouraged me and will hopefully encourage you as well.

Phil. 3:13-14 "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." You see, the enemy always points to your failures and beats you down with them. The call of God through Christ Jesus is that of leaving your failures at the cross, rising with Jesus at His resurrection and moving on. The power of Jesus in us is to share in His victory and move on. All of this through faith. This should produce joy and an attitude of thanksgiving as we don't have to live our live's burdened with the past.

Pil. 1:21-22 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me." Next is that if we are to enjoy our lives in any way that is meaningful, it has to be centred around Jesus. Work, play, food, rest etc. all for Jesus. If we actually live our lives this way it means that death is the promotion, and life is to be full of fruitful labour. Your life isn't meaningless, so don't waste it. No you don't have to be a pastor to fulfill this, but do your job well whatever it is. In Phil. 1:27 Paul says to "let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ". Work hard, change those diapers, live with the integrity that is found in Jesus. In all of this, through faith, we can find joy so long as it is for Jesus.

I don't know if any of this has been helpful but for more clarification read Philippians yourself.

I was encouraged tonight from my reading I hope you will be too.