“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3
As we grow older, we see that happiness and joy are not the same thing. I first learned the difference in Vacation Bible School when I was 12 years old. Happiness, the teacher said, is based on happenings, but joy is based on Jesus. I struggled with that. How could I be joyful in an unhappy situation?
But as I matured as a Christian, I understood that joy in Jesus comes when we realize He is the source of all true joy. Joy in Him is eternal, rather than a temporary emotion influenced by circumstances. That’s why Paul could write the book of Philippians, whose theme is joy, from a Roman prison. It’s why James was able to begin his letter to persecuted Christians by telling them to consider it pure joy when they faced trials—not because of the trial, but because of the resulting character development. And it’s why both caregivers and patients today can experience joy despite the burden of illness.
We lean most heavily on Christ in times of suffering, and the resulting intimacy with our Savior brings incomparable joy.
But as I matured as a Christian, I understood that joy in Jesus comes when we realize He is the source of all true joy. Joy in Him is eternal, rather than a temporary emotion influenced by circumstances. That’s why Paul could write the book of Philippians, whose theme is joy, from a Roman prison. It’s why James was able to begin his letter to persecuted Christians by telling them to consider it pure joy when they faced trials—not because of the trial, but because of the resulting character development. And it’s why both caregivers and patients today can experience joy despite the burden of illness.
We lean most heavily on Christ in times of suffering, and the resulting intimacy with our Savior brings incomparable joy.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 1:1-26
Insight
Are your present circumstances draining your joy? How can you shift your focus to lean into Christ to receive His joy?
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 37-38
- Psalm 149
- 2 Timothy 1-2