Philippians 3 begins with, “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It…is a safeguard for you.“

At this point in time, Paul was in prison facing execution. Yet, he was not down; but rather, he was joyful in the Lord. “Rejoice” is the prescription for overcoming temptation, wrong thinking, or fear of moving forward with anything that may alter your agenda to advance the kingdom with your life.

In the same chapter, Paul writes, “But one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14.

Like a team that is ahead after three quarters, the best outcome is to press hard with the offense, in order not to lose, but win the game. Forget all the disappointments of the past, the negative talk, the distractions that would derail you, and press towards a God-sized goal for your life by rejoicing in the Lord. It is a safeguard for you.

When we focus on the benefits of kingdom-thinking with praise and rejoicing, distractions and disappointments fade away. Interests change when our focus is put on the Lord and our relationship with Him. Begin a pattern of asking the Lord, “How can you use me today? and, “How can you use me in the next season of life?” Rejoice with anticipation of what the Lord might have for you with assignments in missions that are a surprisingly good fit. Enter a profile at missionnext.org and be surprised by joy.

On the topic of rejoicing, Psalm 103 is a wonderful and helpful to memorize. But for now read it aloud:

Praise the Lord, my soul;
     all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
     and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
     and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
     so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103 (NIV)