Delight Yourself in the Lord Devotionals

Revel - Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:4-5, MSG, says, "Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!"

The word revel is defined as "enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way." Can you imagine living a life where you truly revel in Christ, where you enjoy yourself constantly and consistently in Him in a "lively and noisy way"?

I think about David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant when it finally returned to Jerusalem. There was the king of Israel dancing unashamed. He celebrated with joy all that God is and wasn't the least bit concerned about decorum or what others would think. God had returned to Israel and David was intent to celebrate that fact unabashedly.

Of course, we know from the account that there were those that were offended. You can expect others to not understand your connection with Christ or understand why you would rejoice in Him the way you do, all day, every day. But, don't concern yourself with the opinions of others. Seek Christ and let Him reach into their hearts through the life you live in Him. This portion of Scripture in Philippians goes on to say, "It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

I challenge you to fill in the sentence in the way that best reflects your life. What is at the center of your life right now? Is it money and possessions? Is it a person or a relationship? Is it education or employment? Is it anger, fear, doubt, regret, or some other emotion? Whatever is in the center of your life, seek to have Christ displace that thing and you will be amazed at what happens in your life with Christ at the center of it all!

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], overcome evil with good, so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. - Romans 12:2, 21 (interlaced by use of italics), AMP

Read all of Philippians 4:4-9, The Message Translation, here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A4-9&version=MSG