Issue 2009 #4
Table of Contents:
|
Rejoicing in the LORD
Voltaire once explained that men are "tormented atoms in a bit of mud, devoured by death a mockery of fate. This world this theatre of pride and wrong, swarms with sick fools who talk of happiness."
In contrast, Paul talked freely and frequently about happiness, or more accurately, about the life of the soul that rises above happiness into joy. For the Christian the word JOY is preferable to happiness because it does not depend on hap. The dictionary says hap is luck, chance happening. And if you are hapless, it says, "the unlucky thing has happened; hence, your unhappiness."
Joy! Abundant Joy! Paul made a great deal of it. Eleven times he says to these Philippians, "Rejoice." Five times, "Joy." "Rejoice in the Lord always" (never stopping). That makes it independent. Circumstances may be bright or black, inflation may be getting worse, unemployment, our health may be good or bad, friends may be many or few, maybe it's a time of sorrow. Regardless, you are in the Lord.
This speaks of the joy that is ours if we have Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Joy is the courageous cheerfulness of the Christian soul. John 10:10b. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." You are drinking at a fountain that shall never run dry. The joy that Paul experienced was in spite of flogging; remember it was at Philippi that he and Silas, beaten to within an inch of their lives, sang praises.
Joy, not because of prosperity, or popularity, or pleasure, but because of growth and maturity. As James 1:2-3 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
There is also great joy in sowing the seed of God's Word, as we read in Psalm 126:5-6, "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
There is so much joy in the way God answers prayer. John 16:24, "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
- Frank Eidse
|
