You might be having an affair in the sheets. Let me explain…

As I travel through airports, I’ve noticed something interesting – people rarely smile anymore. It got me thinking about my joy, and specifically, how we often make our joy conditional.

We talk about hope being the currency of your heart. In Session 2 of The Master’s Program we explain how the heart is behind the soul.  But what happens when we only allow ourselves to experience joy when everything’s going our way? When our circumstances dictate our countenance?

How often have you let the spreadsheets decide?

I’ve been reflecting on how often I catch myself doing this – waiting for the perfect conditions to be joyful. Waiting for that next achievement, that resolved problem, that answered prayer before I allow myself to smile. It’s like we’re holding our joy hostage to our circumstances.

This isn’t just about putting on a fake smile. It’s about something much deeper – the source of our joy. The Apostle Paul wrote some of his most joy-filled letters while sitting in a prison cell. It amazes me that his joy was never dependent upon the nature of his circumstances.

Think about your own life. When was the last time you experienced joy in the middle of a challenge? When did you last smile not because everything was perfect, but because you chose to focus on what’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable?

That’s where Philippians 4:8 comes in. Paul gives us this powerful filter for our thoughts. He’s essentially saying, “Here’s how you can choose joy regardless of your circumstances”. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

This isn’t positive thinking or denial of reality. It’s a deliberate choice to focus our minds on what God says is worthy of our attention. It’s about training our minds to see beyond our immediate circumstances to the eternal perspective.

I’ve started practicing this in my own life, particularly during challenging moments. When I’m stuck in traffic, dealing with a difficult situation at work, or facing uncertainty in my calling, I intentionally run my thoughts through this Philippians 4:8 filter. What’s true about this situation? What’s noble here? What’s worthy of praise?

The transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but I’ve noticed something powerful – my joy becomes less dependent on my circumstances and more anchored in unchanging truths. My smile becomes a reflection of God’s faithfulness rather than my situation’s favorability.

So here’s my challenge to you: Take Philippians 4:8 and make it your filter for the next week. When you face a challenging situation, pause and ask yourself: What’s true here? What’s noble? What’s right? What’s pure? What’s lovely? What’s admirable? What’s excellent? What’s praiseworthy?

Write these questions down. Put them somewhere you’ll see them regularly. Use them as your lens for viewing every situation you encounter. Let’s stop waiting for perfect circumstances to choose joy.

Remember, your smile isn’t just about you – it’s a testimony of the hope within you. It’s a declaration that your joy isn’t dictated by circumstances but by the unchanging character of God.

He who provides the most hope…wins.

In your corner,
Jeff

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