Joy

When does joy exist? Does it come only when we experience what we think we should in life? Can it be experienced even in times when we are experiencing great trouble and pain? Paul gave us some insight into this while he was still in prison.

As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

Philippians 1:22

Here is a man in prison, waiting for his life to end at the hands of the Roman Empire. He is most definitely under stress. He is saying that he would just rather die and go be with Christ. He is tired of camping out here on this earth and he is ready to die. However, he also says that he knows that the work that he was given has not been completed and that staying here to complete it is better. Paul says that he plans to be here awhile and to continue to enjoy the growth and trusting of God with everyone. How many of us could say that in the circumstances we are facing right now, much less being in prison waiting to be executed.

Joy is know that no matter where you are, dead or alive, the chance to be connect to God is always available. Heaven is available right here on earth. Joy comes then. Joy comes when we realize that Christ is always present, always with us, and always worthy of trust. So there are times when we may not be to "happy," but this is quite different than joy. Joy means to take great pleasure in something. Joy comes when we take great pleasure in this life. Joy is to be able to recognize that if there is one thing that we think is wrong with life, that we will be able to find ten things that are right with life. Find joy today. It is here and ready to be found. Do not wait for it to come, look for it and place your attention on all the reasons that you have to be joyful. Allow your beliefs and convictions about who you are - a spiritual being, a child of God, a piece of God, the imago dei of God - rule over the emotions and thoughts you have about life. This is the example of Paul.

Namaste'