The abiding (continuing, staying, dwelling) believer enjoys mountaintop joy even in trials and sufferings. Paul says it best in Philippians 1:18(b)-26:

“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith so that through my being with you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”

Paul’s relationship with God was far more rewarding than any earthly treasure he had. If you lost everything, would you still trust in God? Could you keep your joy in tough suffering like Paul in his imprisonment?

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:8 (NLT) express the great value he placed on his God!

“Yes, everything else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, to gain Christ.”

Negative thoughts and emotional commotion generally result from valuing things or people more than we value our God.

Ask Father God to reveal to you the things you place above Him.

What are the things you need to lay down, like Paul, so that you can allow the desire to know God to consume you above all things?