God's plan for our lives often follows a much different path than our human route would choose. Our human minds tell us that our circumstances should dictate our degree of joy in life. Yet this runs contrary to the Biblical pattern, for as followers of God we can be filled with His joy no matter how good or bad our physical and material circumstances are. An example of one who experienced the joy of the Lord in the midst of adverse conditions was the apostle Paul. Even while in prison for his faith he wrote to the Christians at Philippi "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy" (Philippians 1:4, NIV). What an excellent attitude! That does not mean that he liked his situation, it simply means that he based his fulfillment in life on something far greater and more solid than the shifting circumstances of life. He found his strength in his faith in Jesus Christ--something that the winds of this life cannot topple.

The joy that Paul had produced confidence that God's work would be accomplished. While in prison for his faith he could have developed a defeated outlook, but instead, he saw his circumstances as an opportunity for God's work to move forward. He stated in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." The genuine joy in his heart kept him focused on eternal good instead of his temporary hardship.

The joy that he had also produced a love for God that surpassed his love for physical life. He wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). His joy in Christ helped him to realize that whether he lived or died, he was a winner.

In a world that presently has a lot of disappointed and depressed people, it is an excellent time for God's Church to remind them that there is a joy and confidence that is not based on temporary things but on the eternal and unchanging presence of God. It is essential that those of us who make up God's Church do not become so focused on the stresses and uncertainties of the world that we fail to display evidence of the joy of the Lord in our lives. Sour and pessimistic church folk cannot convince sinners that they have what sinners need to transform their lives. We must display a life of faith that remains confident when everything seems to be pushing against us, and that continues to express itself with authentic joy flowing from an inward relationship with God. This essential spiritual relationship comes through a life surrendered to the control and lordship of Jesus Christ.

The joy of the Lord provides us strength to face everything that life sends our way. It is a joy to share that joy with others. Let us ask God to fill us with His joy and let it overflow into the lives of those who cross our path.