Does your joy have limits or boundaries? Maybe a better question is can life’s troubles limit your joy? The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 7:4, in spite of his troubles, his joy knows no boundaries. As our society searches for an intangible “happy ever after” in life, we as followers of Christ discover a joy that is everlasting! Our joy isn’t something that comes from a package or circumstance. It transcends all troubles and heartache. True joy isn’t conditioned by our lack of suffering but rather by our inner resolve of our hope in Christ. This is why James tells us to count it all joy when we are in the midst of trials and temptation.
Troubles are something we will always have. Becoming redeemed by the blood of the Lamb doesn’t take away the suffering of a fallen and spiritually dark world. We still face hurt, loss and pain. What does change is our perspective and the source of our peace. Peace doesn’t mean that there are no storms in our lives, but rather in the midst of the storms, we can experience total peace. We no longer put our trust in temporal things of this world that will fail us and pass away but instead in something that cannot be stolen, taken or destroyed (Romans 8:38-39).
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30
(NIV)
Here is my point…all of your suffering and pain has limits! Yet your joy doesn’t have too. We have access to the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory! Paul faced many troubles but made a great point to the Corinthians that his joy was boundless and outweighed his suffering in every way. My prayer for you this week is that your joy will increase in spite of your troubles and struggles.
Let your worship become untethered from your circumstances and discover the overcoming power of His presence and glory in you and through you this week.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face; and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
May your joy be complete and boundless in and through His grace!
