by Bailey Jarnagin
CLEVELAND, GA (TMNews) – Dr. Maël Disseau presented an encouraging message focused on rejoicing in the Lord through earthly trials at Truett-McConnell’s weekly chapel service, November 12.
Disseau opened up to Philippians 4 sharing how Paul traveled from city to city proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Because of his boldness, he encountered persecution throughout his ministry. Although the book of Philippians was written while Paul was behind bars in prison, it is widely known as a letter of joy.
“Paul is encouraging the Philippians to live a joyful Christian life in the midst of troubles,” stated Disseau. “So God does for us today.”
Disseau listed the first of five principles which can be found in Philippians 4:4-10, saying that God has commanded believers to rejoice in the Lord.
“You have the choice to obey or to disobey, but this is God telling you to rejoice,” Disseau said. “But to rejoice in the Lord, you have to know the Lord.”
The people or possessions which are often relied upon to fill an internal void will eventually fall away, unsuccessful. The only person who can fill that empty void is the Creator God Himself.
“Some of you are miserable not because of what’s happening to you,” Disseau observed, “but some of you are miserable because you don’t know the One who can give you true joy.”
Secondly, Disseau pointed out God’s command for believers to love their enemies, regardless of the wrong that has been committed. Refusing to forgive and acting out of anger is as detrimental to the one who has been wronged as it is to the one who has done the wrong.
“God intended for you to release it [the anger] and to love so healing can happen in your life and healing can happen in their life,” Disseau said.
For the third principle, Disseau referenced the charge in Matthew 6 to not be anxious about anything because God is a God of provision. “Do you believe that God can take care of you?” Disseau challenged.
Whenever a situation arises that causes anxiety, the answer is to surrender the situation to the Lord. “Do you want to play into the enemy’s game? If not, let’s bring it to God in prayer,” Disseau emboldened.
Disseau emphasized: “The Lord is near; He’s here to help you.”
Disseau then explained that to take control of one’s thoughts for the purpose of godliness, it is a common occurrence to throw a pity party because of the inability to move past oneself and embrace the forgiveness of God.
Disseau identified the problem: “Other sinners need to see that God has the power to forgive you.”
“The more your mind travels to places it doesn’t need to be, the less you’re useful to God,” stated Disseau.
Finally, Disseau proclaimed the need to be Christ-like in every action. “He was the ultimate leader, and the ultimate leader is a servant.”
Disseau continued: “Lose yourself in others. Do what God has called you to do. Make a commitment today to follow your Father.”
For those following the Lord and adhering to the five principles found in Philippians 4, God promises overwhelming peace. Disseau reiterated: “God is saying ‘Do these things, and you will have peace.’”
He concluded by declaring Truett-McConnell a unified front in the fight against sin. “We’re family.”
“He has put us here together to tell the enemy: ‘You will have no more control over us’…there’s no reason why you should wait. Today is the day of salvation.”
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Bailey is a senior English major and a freelance writer for the college.
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