Today is my birthday so I am going to deviate from the study of Proverbs and talk about something on my heart. Our pastor just finished a series on joy where we went through the whole book of Philippians. Our community group is talking about Philippians 4:8. In fact the book we are using is called "4:8". Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." The book gives you practical things to do to get joy in your life. I agree that we have to train ourselves in righteousness and the things of God because they do not come natural to us and these exercises are a good reminder for changing bad patterns. But joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. An apple tree does not need to do apple-producing exercises to produce apples. It will just do that naturally if it is well fertilized and planted in good soil. The same is true about us. Ps. 1 says that if we don't walk the walk of sinners, and we don't sit around complaining about everything but are thankful and our delight is in Him then we will be like a tree planted by the water and we will bring forth fruit in season. If we plant ourselves in the Word and do what it says and love and delight in God then joy will be a natural fruit that we produce. Interestingly the tree never prunes itself - the gardener does. The gardener is the Holy Spirit. He is responsible for cutting off the things that don't benefit our walk with God. We just need to stand where we are planted and spread our limbs. God does the rest.
Lord, remind us to rest in you today and to cease from trying to be perfect but to praise the Perfect One. May we think on things that are honest, lovely, good news, virtuous, and praiseworthy - that is a perfect description of You!
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