Philippians 4:4,5 (New Living Translation)
4. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5. Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
What does this mean to you to be “full of joy” and how in the world can we be in the times we live in? As I was researching the word “Joy”, I was amazed at how many times it was used. Just two examples: in Luke 15:7, there is joy in heaven over lost sinners who repent. Then in James 1:2 “Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way consider it an opportunity for great joy”. Ok this last one makes us backup for a moment, notice he is talking to the “brothers and sisters” (Christians) ,then in this translation it says “great joy”, now it is really confusing! How can this be possible? Trouble usually means panic, or at least fear! So we have the same word “joy” used in two different ways, or is it? Seems as though, “joy” is used interchangeably with “spiritual peace”. This truly means it is possible to experience joy in the most trying, painful times in our lives. When we have the Spirit of the Living God inside us, joy is just one of the many blessings that is given to us. We are promised His unfailing love, and He will never leave or forsake us! Rejoice, Jesus is coming soon, we must never lose sight of yet another wonderful promise!
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