“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This is the first sentence of Paul’s closing remarks to the church at Philippi. (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always? As in even when my baby won’t sleep? Even when my kids are sick? Even when I’m tired and have to clean up sticky oatmeal off the walls and floor? Even when my teenager is talking back or won’t talk to me at all?

As I sat the write this post, my girls are down stairs screaming at each other. The fight was over an ipad and I had to get up and go down to referee. It is certain that these kinds of interruption and frustrations threaten to steal our joy day in and day out.

It’s easy to give reasons why we can’t rejoice. But, what about focusing on what we can rejoice in?

Background on Philippians

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while in prison in Rome. He had been there for 4 years and his life was at the mercy of Roman Emperor Nero. If you are not aware, Nero was known for his evil brutality and accessed of killing his mother, 2 wives, and countless others. He was also one of the most notorious persecutor of Christians. If anyone had reason to fear and worry over their circumstances, it was Paul.

Divine joy is the major reoccurring theme in the letter. Three Greek words for joy are found more than a dozen times. As previously mentioned, the apostle Paul was in prison and awaiting his fate from a wicked ruler. He had every cause to not feel joy, but being rooted in Christ, he used his time to encourage others.

Philippi was an important city because a major Roman road ran through it and also because it boasted gold mines. The people of the city were Roman citizens and it was very much the style and atmosphere of ancient Rome.

The church of Philippi, to whom Paul wrote this letter, was established on Paul’s second missionary journey that had included Silas(Acts 16). You probably remember the two most famous converts: 1) Lydia, the seller of purple. 2) The Philippians jailer who almost took his own life.

The church was poor, but gave financially to support Paul’s work any way. They were deeply loved by Paul and had a deep love for him. His tone in the letter is one of a doting Father to his beloved children.

Finding Joy in Motherhood

I want to encourage you if you have time to go ahead and get our your Bible or pull it up on your phone and turn to Philippians 4. I’d love for you to read the whole chapter before we get started. It is so full of wisdom and I don’t have space to include the whole of the chapter, but we are going to glean 4 ways to find joy in motherhood from Paul’s contagiously joyful letter.

1. Pray with Thanksgiving

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

First the commands: Do not be anxious. By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The idea Paul presents is that as soon as a trouble, problem, or worry arises, don’t dwell on it, but go straight to God. Our attitudes before God are that of an unwavering trust and confidence that He will work so much so that we thank Him in advance.

Take your concerns and situations before the throne of God. Pour it out before Him in real, raw honesty. Hebrews 4:16 NIV says, “ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Second, we see the promise: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7) Notice the promise comes after the command meaning that we first have to yield our anxieties and go to God with them to experience this kind of peace.

This peace isn’t anything we could gain on our own, it is divine, straight from God. It “transcends all understanding” meaning it is superior in all ways to any kind of human solutions or calmness practices.

Not only this, but He also says it “will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Will guard is the Greek word phroureo and it’s a military term that was used for soldiers on duty. Just as those soldiers diligently and strongly protect the city, God is protecting and keeping us in His peace and joy when we trust Him.

2. Think Positive Thoughts

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Philippians 4:8 NIV

God is very clear in His word that our lives are products of our thoughts. Consider Romans 8:6 NIV: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” When we set our minds on the positive, we have no room for the lies of the enemy.

Paul gives us 8 godly characteristics of the kinds of things that we should be letting our minds meditate on. All of these are found in God’s word and character which is why we are told to, “meditate on it day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

These things do not come natural to the earthly mind, but through discipline, we can train our minds. We read, memorize, and meditate on scripture. We pray without ceasing. We don’t let unholy and negative people, situations, or media influence to derail us.

Instead, we ” take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) This is when we find a joy-filled life even in the midst of chaos and corruption.

3. Be Content Whatever the Circumstances

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

Paul was no jet setting, mansion owning, flashy evangelist. He knew what it was like to be beaten, imprisoned, ship wreck and hungry. He also knew abundance when God had allowed him times of prosperity with comfort and rest. He speaks of physical circumstances here, but this can apply to our mental and emotional trials as well.

The secret he says to being content no matter the trials or situation is to let God be his strength. Contentment belongs to the believer who rests, trusts, and hopes in the power of God over their own feeble resources.

When we come needy before the Lord, He grants His divine power to sustain. Psalm 107 says, “he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” He is after all the Living Water and the Bread of Life.

4. Rely on God to Meet Your Needs

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:18-19 NIV

We can be content whatever the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean we can survive that way forever. God knows and understands this. He may allow it for a time for us to learn lessons and rely on Him, but eventually, our God who is rich in mercy and abundant in provision will meet our needs.

Psalm 103: 14 NIV says:

As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.

God’s way of meeting our needs may not be what we want or expect. However, it will always be for our best, for His glory, and in the perfect supply and timing. We need only patiently pray, wait, trust, and be content!

Joy comes in the morning to those who wait and trust the Lord to be their provider and strength.

Prayers for Joy in Motherhood

Lord, I come to you with thanksgiving for the many blessings you have given me. Thank you for my children, my home, and my purpose in motherhood. Please give me a grateful heart, a mind that is set on you, contentment no matter the circumstances, and peace and joy because I trust you supply all my needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Forgive me for anxious and negative thoughts and for not trusting you enough to be full of your joy! I am complete in you. Amen.

More prayer resources:

7 Scriptural Prayers for the Frustrated Mom

Short Prayers for Mothers

How to Persevere in Prayer

Prayers to Pray in the Psalms

Prayers in the New Testament You Can Pray

Prayers in the Old Testament You Can Pray