Joy, Your Spiritual Sniper

Philippians 3:1~ “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” NIV

Paul reminds the Philippians over and over to rejoice in the Lord, because he knows that rejoicing is their safeguard. 

Safeguard: 1. something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety.  2. A permit for safe passage. 3. A guard or a convoy

Rejoicing is like a soldier that guards and protects the heart. Joy is our ticket for safe passage. It serves as a defense for our safety and well-being. It’s like having a spiritual immune system! 

Our physical immune system is our body’s defense system. Consisting of many components, its role is toidentify and defend the body from viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and other pathogens. One of the key players is found in our white blood cells, called “Killer T cells.” These WBCs serve as a first line of defense against foreign pathogens.

Our spiritual immune system also provides a defense system! Joy and our ability to rejoice in the Lord are the white blood cells in the spirit. These soldiers and snipers launch their attack when hell breaks through by creating havoc, stress, fear and anxiety. They go after anything that threatens our “wholeness.” 

Doesn’t that make you want to REJOICE and LAUGH a little more?