“We may suffer, yet in every season we are always found rejoicing.” 2 Corinthians 6:10 (TPT)

This is the season when we sing joyful sounds announcing the coming of our Newborn King. However, this year, some refuse to sing songs of gaiety due to the turmoil in our world, or the crisis in their personal lives. A question to ponder, “Is joy based on our feelings and circumstances?”

The book of Acts records a situation where Peter and the apostles were beaten and thrown into prison for preaching in Jesus’s name. When released, they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (5:41).

When the shepherds abiding in the fields at night visited the newborn Christ Child, they returned to their country rejoicing by glorifying and praising God for what they had witnessed. (Luke 2:20)

We see two different scenarios but the same reason for rejoicing. The apostles and the shepherds rejoiced because they encountered Christ and were eager to share their experiences with others. I believe these two situations illustrate what it means to have joy.

The apostles bore pain and shame, yet they were joyful because they had an inner delight that wasn’t based on their circumstances. This is where many get it wrong, even those who confess Christ. 

Joy is not giddiness or an outward expression of happiness, but an inward eternal delight birthed from having an experience with Christ. 

Our hearts can be saddened and heavy, yet we can still have joy. We can wail and mourn and still have joy. Let me further illustrate this point. The historical Jesus, the embodiment of “JOY,” was saddened and cried on two different occasions; when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35) and when Israel refused to accept Him as their King (Luke 19:41-42). Jesus didn’t cease being “JOY” because His heart was heavy.

We can have a heavy heart and express it through tears and still have joy. No matter what your circumstance, don’t lose your joy because the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

How do we maintain our joy amid pain and suffering, do like the apostles, sing the songs of Zion? Paul admonishes us in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Paul explains how he and the other apostles suffered much, but because they experienced the delight of Christ, they rejoiced in every season. (2 Corinthians 6).

Dark and difficult days authenticate our joy. James reminds us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT).

The sadness of the heart doesn’t mean we don’t have joy.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NKJV)

Posted by on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 @ 11:10AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational
Tags: Christ, Christmas, joy, rejoice, Sadness