Consider It Pure Joy

Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Check this, as I bring another verse that bluntly says, “Rejoice Always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).” How important is joy in the life of a believer? It’s super important. Christians and non-Christians alike experience situations that very tough. In these circumstances, there is a certain aspect of the Christian that makes the two different.

Romans 8:28 says it plainly.

 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Also, John 9 tells the story of the man who was born blind. In verse two, the Disciples ask, “ ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.’ ”

God is working in the world right now to bring Himself the most amount of glory possible, according to His plan. Why is there evil? Because God has a plan. Why do people become sick? Because God has a plan. What is God’s plan? To bring as much glory to himself possible. And you know what? He has already won the war. It is written in Revelation 20:10, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

God has already won, and we have joy because we know that when life is hard and almost unbearable, God will win in the end. The best news is that we were enemies with Christ. However, Romans 5:10 says “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

God knows how much of this article is His, and I am starting to understand that too as I look back at what is on my piece of electric paper, and I feel convicted about the times when I am not joyful for what will happen. Now, Ecclesiastes remarks that there is time to weep and a time to laugh (3:4). Crying can be one of the most powerful ways to comfort and also show that your heart is broken, which is a very humble act. However, it is indeed an action, apart from joy.

This to say that you can weep, and still have joy. I think it truly is an art, which takes the right mindset. When bad things happen, or you are praying for something to happen, you cry and ask God to do something, or for Him to change something, but you have joy in knowing that whatever He does, it will be for the good of those who are the called according to His purpose.

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”. – Forsake All