Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. - Philippians 3:1 (ESV)

When you consider fighting for joy there seems to be multiple things that collude to regularly defeat it. Circumstances collapse on us, squashing joy. Stress and anxiety assault us and joy seems to retreat in defeat. Busyness tells us we don't have time to think about joy. All of these must be addressed to find joy.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. - Philippians 2:5 –8 (ESV)

Your true desires and character are often revealed in the pressure cooker of stressful situations. When the things you rely on get removed and the bare, raw realities of life are exposed, we simply have nowhere to run. It's in those moments that our selfishness is seen. Paul had lived in that state for many years. Imprisoned and awaiting a verdict that could mean release or death. In the midst of this, he found joy in humble service. Where did that originate from?

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. - Philippians 2:25 –26 (ESV)

I recently learned a new skill. It's one that I have wanted to try for some time, but I've never had the occasion, equipment, and most importantly a teacher. A few weeks ago I tried welding for the first time. I'm not 'laying down dimes' as they say, but I can now stick a couple pieces of metal together in a pretty permanent way. Its fun and a little scary and I won't be leaving the pastorate for a career in fabrication anytime soon, but I would not have even attempted it without teacher (HT: to Ken S!)

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:2 –4 (ESV)

You deserve it. Treat yourself. You have to love yourself. Without self love you can't show others love. These are all phrases and ideas that show up around us.  How we think of our self is important, but how should we think about ourselves? How does that effect how we think and ultimately treat those around us.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. - Philippians 2:12 –13 (ESV)

I'm thinking about starting a new program at Hope. I'm think of calling it the 'Tag-a-long' ministry. In this ministry, I'll come to your home and live with you for 72 hours. It won't be a teaching ministry. I'll just be around. I'll go with you to work and out on appointments. I'll just be there. Don't worry I won't get in the way.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. - Philippians 1:21 –22 (ESV)

Imprisoned. Silenced from preaching and planting churches. Restrained from traveling. The real possibility of execution looming. How would you respond? Hopelessness? Despair? This was the plight of the Apostle Paul. What would happen next was unknown.