In a world filled with challenges and trials, many of us seek to find joy in life, a deep sense of contentment and delight that transcends circumstances. But where can we find this true joy, this joie de vivre, in the midst of life's ups and downs? Today I invite you into the biblical concept of joy, exploring how it is intimately connected to pursuing the ultimate prize in Christ. Join us as we journey through the wisdom of the scriptures and discover the path to cultivating a lifestyle of joy, rooted in the grand prize of Christ himself.

Note | You are invited to go deeper by using our extensive digital book that includes, for each of our 12 episodes in the series, a listening guide, questions to ponder, key takeaways and key quotes, topics to go deeper, and more. Go to gospelspice.com/french for the details and to download a free sample.

Let’s start by exploring the biblical notion of pursuing a prize, as outlined in Philippians 3:14. The ultimate goal Paul pursues is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. This sets the stage for understanding how Jesus Himself is the grand prize that Paul, and by extension, all believers, are after. As we reflect on this biblical perspective, we gain insights into the true purpose and fulfillment found in the pursuit of Christ as the ultimate prize of our lives.

I invite you to draw a parallel between the French word "prix" (prize) and the concept of Jesus as the grand prix, the ultimate reward and the thrill of a lifetime. Just as in a race where only one receives the prize, we are encouraged to run in such a way as to win the prize of knowing Christ. We are reminded of the sacrificial cost Jesus paid to become our ultimate prize, and how this reflects the immeasurable value of our relationship with Him. So, view your pursuit of Christ as part of a grand adventure, the ultimate race where the prize is an intimate and deeply fulfilling relationship with your Savior!

Amidst the pursuit of the ultimate prize, Paul's letters in Philippians also emphasize the importance of joy. Paul's expression of joy in the midst of hardship and trials highlights the connection between pursuing Christ and experiencing true joy. We explore the biblical definition of joy and how it transcends external circumstances. Together, let’s explore the intertwining themes of contentment, gratitude, and rejoicing, highlighting that true joy is rooted in a deep, foundational relationship with Christ, and not in fleeting external circumstances.

In the second half of the episode, I introduce the French expression "joie de vivre," which translates to "joy of living." This concept goes beyond mere personality traits and reflects a deep-rooted delight in simply being alive. The discussion shifts to the Hebrew word for joy, and how it aligns with the Christian understanding of delighting in the scriptures. We are reminded that cultivating joy in Christ is a lifelong journey, and it is intimately connected to our growth in faith and the abiding presence of God's word in our lives.

As we conclude our exploration, we reaffirm the profound truth that pursuing Christ as the ultimate prize leads to a lifestyle marked by true joy. The pursuit of the grand prize of Christ transforms our perspective on life, infusing each moment with purpose and eternal significance. Cultivating joie de vivre in Christ is a slow and intentional process, but it is a journey filled with immeasurable richness and fulfillment. This journey of pursuing the ultimate prize and finding joy in Christ is an invitation to embrace the abundant life that Jesus promises to all who follow Him. As we imitate Paul, who imitates Christ, may our lives become a testament to the joy and fulfillment found in pursuing the grand prize of Christ. As we navigate our daily lives, may we be reminded of the ultimate reward that awaits us in Christ and may we cultivate a lifestyle of joy, rooted in our deep and abiding relationship with Him.

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/

Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/

Shades of Red | Against human oppression

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/

God's glory, our delight 

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/

 

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Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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