PODCAST
Others Bring Joy
February 25th, 2019
Philippians 1:1-11
Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned. Although biblical scholars debate the exact location of his imprisonment, the location is not as important as the fact that he was incarcerated for his faith in Jesus Christ.
I imagine prisons in Paul’s time are not so different from prisons in much of Africa today: dirty, with poor sanitation, and overcrowded. The prison systems that I am aware of in Africa do not provide food or water for the prisoners and only very basic shelter.
I have known ministers of the Gospel that have been imprisoned for their faith. I would venture to say that their imprisonment was not characterized by joy. They were faithful, trusting, and hopeful, but joy would be challenging.
And yet Paul, during his imprisonment, writes that his prayers for the Philippians bring him joy. Who are the people in our lives that bring us joy to pray for no matter the circumstances around us? May we continue to lift them up to Father and find joy in our relationships despite any hardship that might surround us!
Author: L.M.A.
