Joy in All Circumstances
Reflection
On our coffee table in the sitting room of our house, there is a lovely little book titled “The Book of Joy” written by the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu. The book is the result of an extraordinary week they spent together, sharing stories and exploring the concepts of happiness and joy in a changing world. I highly encourage you to pick up either the physical book or listen to the audiobook version. Not only will you explore the difference between happiness and joy, but you will also gain a unique insight into the lives of these two remarkable men, who, though representing two distinct faith systems, agree that joy is rooted in something greater than our circumstances.
As Christians, we are well served to explore the concept of joy from a biblical perspective. In preparation for this reflection, the Lord led me to one of my favourite books in the New Testament, the Book of Romans. As a reminder, Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, likely from the city of Corinth around 57 AD. The book lays out basic Christian doctrine to a mixed audience in Rome that consisted of both Jews and Gentiles. Romans was written during the early years of Emperor Nero, a man who was notorious for persecuting Christians. Though the letter would have been received during a time of relative peace for Christians, history tells us of the horrific persecution that early Christians would eventually face during his rule. In retrospect, that fact places even more importance on the need for a solid biblical foundation in the faith, especially knowing that, just as in the past, life will bring its opposition in one form or another.
Application
Touching on the topic of joy, there is a wonderful little verse embedded in the twelfth chapter of Romans that my wife, Erikka and I have relied on during times of joy and seasons of despair.
Romans 12: 9-13 states:
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
I don’t know about you, but personally, the first parts of that verse have proven easier for me to consistently embrace and live out than that last portion in which the Apostle encourages us to "rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer." Especially in those seasons that feel hopeless, when my time in the wilderness is dragging on, and my annoyance with the Lord keeps me off my knees.
The irony of Paul’s exhortation is that to find the type of hope that leads to joy in all circumstances; we must begin with the end. That is, we must start with prayer. By committing to prayer, we are moved to humility, and I have found that gratitude is a byproduct of humility. In my own life, when I am committed to prayer, I am reminded of who I am praying to. That is a God who is faithful and who never fails.
When my prayer life is strong, and I feel connected to my Lord and Saviour, He gives me patience during times of tribulation. I am reminded that the writer of this verse, the Apostle Paul, experienced great hardship during his ministry. More importantly, I am reminded that the Lord, who has never abandoned me, even during prolonged spells in the wilderness, has Himself experienced sorrow, opposition, trials, tribulation, and ultimately death. Our Saviour, who suffered on our behalf, overcame this world and death. But that's not all; justice and restoration await all of us who have placed our lives in His hands.
Finally, I truly believe that Paul’s encouragement, found in the last portion of the verse, was presented in the context of community for a reason. I am increasingly amazed at the intentionality of scripture. Note how readers are reminded to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.'' During those times when I find it most difficult to have hope and find joy, the accountability and encouragement of my family and my brothers and sisters in Christ remind me of how to embrace this commandment faithfully. They help to reorient me to the cross, which represents the hope we have in Christ. That hope is eternal and is certainly a reason to have joy in all circumstances.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
