Just looking at an awe-inspiring drag racing machine will make most racers grin from ear-to-ear. Then when you fire up the engine, the smile probably goes clear around the person’s head. That’s just how it is with racers and fans and their particular passion for any racing. That supercharged motor is singing a hymn of celebration and delightfulness in a symphony where eight pistons are being conducted by your right foot on the loud pedal.

I’ve mentioned many times there are a few drivers that smile so big while looking at them (and praying with them in the seat) I actually imagine their smile visible through their helmet…now that’s a smile my friends!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Rejoicing means to be glad, and there are plenty of occasions for being joyful [in racing], but even more so in the Lord. Being regularly filled to the brim with joy is how grateful people should speak over and over of their gladness. The idea of repetition is what exuberant people should display at all times.

Think of a person that makes you smile, then, smile at someone else and see if it is contagious. A friend, the late drag racer Eric Medlen said, “If you are bummed out, go eat some ice cream and see if you stay unhappy?” Eric had a beaming smile.
What really makes you smile, the kind that can’t be wiped away? Do you smile when you win a race? Do you smile when seeing your family or friends? Do you smile when you smell nitro? A smile indicates pleasure, a favoring experience, and an expression of joyfulness.

If you ever go to the zoo (you probably only go to the drag races, but come on, you need a break occasionally), go check out the Sea Otter exhibit. They know about joy. They know how to take life by the throat, how to live every dip, swirl, and slide to the utmost. No tomorrow, or last week, only a joyous present. There’s even a way to make us pay to watch them—at places like Sea World or your local zoo. Should we arrest them for having too much fun? Of course not! They would just bring all of their joy with them, no matter where you put them.

Should you or I be arrested for having too much fun at the drag races? I hope not. Having a good time is one of the most fulfilling aspects of life. Having fun and enjoying being with the people you love is the way God planned it.

The apostle Paul was arrested, beaten, thrown in prison, and his feet put in stocks. Come midnight; the battered Paul was singing praises to God for all to hear. That is joy my friends: a “real valuable” kind of joy. The type of joy God has offered to us!
Joy is a “blessedness,” not to be confused with the pursuit of pleasure. It’s not what you find when you’re holding the trophy, or what you find at the end of a rainbow, but your state of mind on those days when there is no trophy or rainbow to be seen.

Christianity is a religion of J.O.Y., Jesus, Others, then Yourself. It’s a keen delight in unselfishness. Real joy grows out of positive, constructive goodness (from above), not out of the negative. You don’t see that kind of joy often, except maybe in Sea Otters. It’s not in the newspapers, the nightly TV news, or even in some churches...oops, did I say some churches?

Racing enjoyment can be found at fast and furious Firebird Raceway Lake in the fall. The racers are all smiles on the first day of the drag boat World Finals. They’re ready to take on the world. They’re picturing themselves Sunday evening with a smile bigger than the trophy they’re holding.

Think about it, people everywhere in the world are crying for a morsel of joy, a handful of happiness, or a crumb of encouragement. We would hope Christians (and racers too) would exhibit a contagious and enthusiastic sense of joy. The kind even an Otter might pay to see. Otters aren’t telling their secret. But the apostle Paul is!
By God’s grace, his “letter” has the power to teach us how to smile; how to live life to the fullest. Paul’s joy is heart felt emotion waiting to be expressed. He encouraged them (and us too) to have real joy. It was a letter from a friend to a friend. The heart of this letter to the Philippians is what joy is all about—to express joy and encourage dear friendships.

Paul’s cheerful admission was that his prayers for the Philippians “kindled” joy in his heart. Conflicting desires in his heart had led him to “stir up” the Philippians joy in their faith. As he encouraged the Philippians to work together in harmony, it “enriched” Paul’s own joy. Paul then welcomes back a “faithful friend” that brought him joy, Epaphroditus. Paul reminds the Philippians to “find” their joy in the Lord. Paul felt great joy because of the Philippians’ “care and concern” for him.
The word joy and rejoice are mentioned sixteen times throughout this “upbeat” epistle. This letter was written to the Philippians around A.D. 62. Remember, this letter wasn’t written from some place of luxury. He was under house arrest and chained to a prison guard. But nothing could bind the joy God had given him.

There is joy in living: in the good times, in difficulties times, in times of want, even in times of conflict. Joy in living comes from God, as the Scriptures say, “To live is Christ,” (Philippians 1:21). In living you need the best model…Christ Himself.
There is joy in serving: the right attitude, correct theology, and appropriate role models; Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Joy in serving comes from the Bible, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” Joy is in the serving of others, and serving you [racers] brings the most joy for me! In serving, you need the right attitude...Christ’s.

There is joy in sharing: freely giving to others, sharing your testimony, or witnessing about the Lord. There’s nothing more important than God, so in sharing you need an eternal goal...Christ.

There is joy in resting: true peace [and rest] is only found in the Savior; it’s “The peace that transcends all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). When you honestly contemplate God in your heart, your heart will overflow with joy. Resting equals God’s peace, which is…found in Christ.

What is on your priority list? God, marriage, family, work, sports, racing: the order is fine, but the list has a flaw. You must seek God above all things, joyfully seeking to put Him first in everything. God first, then, God in my marriage, God in my family, God in my work, God in my sports activities, and God in my racing too. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete,” (John 15:11). Real and complete joy will include, consist, contain, and embody Jesus Christ.
God is not separate from the rest of your life. Don’t just give Him a few minutes, and then put Him back on the shelf. By seeking Him in “every” area of your life, an amazing amount of joy can become yours. Begin to practice it and you’ll see.

Be confident that God is at work in your life, and use that confidence to set your sails for the land of joy. The secret of joy is grounded in your relationship with Christ. Therefore, joy comes from depending on Christ’s strength, the same way Paul did.
Rededicate yourself to finding joy. “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart,” (Psalm 19:8). By knowing the eternal joy God has promised you…your salvation should be the happiest thing that ever happened to you!

“For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete,” (Deuteronomy. 16:15). Obedience leads to a rich harvest. Joy in a believer is produced “from within” by the Holy Spirit. Joy truly is a Christian expression and experience. It’s rooted in trusting in God. Remember, T.R.U.S.T. is Totally Relying Upon Simple Truths.

Racing will always bring pleasure to untold numbers of people who have the need for speed. The elation in defeating another competitor never gets stale. It’s always exhilarating to feel the adrenalin rush of a run, and another rush to see the win light come on. Winning, can sometimes, temporarily cure a few earthly ills.

Therefore, people of today are to maintain and demonstrate positive virtues like “rejoicing in the Lord.” The will of God should be our highest enjoyment. You and I must be adept at knowing inner peace and joy in every circumstance. We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Be joyful always,” our tone should be warm, encouraging, and filled with gratification.

The Bible tells us God has predestined us to righteousness, peace, and joy! Are you living in that realm? When you win your next race, see if you rightly and peacefully sense a joy that could last eternally? If it doesn’t, then is earthly joy, not heavenly joy.

It is the pursuit of holiness (righteousness, peace and joy) that teaches us to seek a life of rejoicing. Allow God to etch your name on one of His stunning trophies in heaven, then check and see if that kind of joy brings an everlasting smile to your face (value). It will, because He guarantees it! I know it does, because I have that smile. Live God’s way and enjoy His smile of approval.