This is a tough one.  I’ve been grappling with it all week, which is one of the reasons why I’m posting later than usual.  Galatians 5:22 says that the evidence of the Spirit’s activity in our life is… joy.  Joy is a feeling of inner contentment, satisfaction and emotional well-being produced by the Holy Spirit. How does that work?

It’s easy to experience joy when life is good- you’re settled in a good place at home and church, all of your needs are being met, the kids are happy, your relationships are thriving, health is good, and finances are stable.  But it’s quite another thing to experience joy when your world is upside down.

Over the past month, I’ve heard the stories of stage-four cancer patients, a wheelchair bound saint with chronic unmanageable pain, a single mom working 2 jobs, six days a week, and a spouse grappling with life after their partner walked out on the marriage. I have been blown away and incredibly humbled by their faith and tenacity. But, if I had said to any of these dear people in a perky tone of voice… “Be joyful, now, you know the Bible says, ‘Rejoice Evermore!’” I should be slapped upside the head, and rightly so. The truth is, life is hard, and our experience of joy often ebbs and flows.

So, is “a feeling of inner contentment, satisfaction and emotional well-being” possible in harsh circumstances?  I believe it is.

Let me explain.

The first Christians, living in the Roman Empire, lived in an era of persecution.  People around them, family and friends, were losing their jobs, experiencing mob violence, in jail or in some cases killed because they believed and declared that Jesus was Lord. And yet, the New Testament writers consistently stated that in Christ, joy was possible.  But look how they said it:

Romans 5:2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Hebrews 10:34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

1 Peter 1:6 So, be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. …

The early Christians didn’t rely on their present circumstances as the source for their joy, they looked to the future. Their future with God became a source of contentment, satisfaction and emotional well-being.  In other words, they experienced joy in the present because of what was guaranteed in the future.

Frankly, many times our circumstances stink.  In those seasons of loss, we can experience settledness, peace, and a new and eternal perspective, (dare I say joy?),  by bringing to mind all of the things that God has done for us that can’t be taken away- Our salvation, forgiveness of sins, relationship with Jesus, being a blessed and chosen child of God; and all the things that await us in the future- reunion with loved ones, the glories of heaven, seeing Jesus face to face, and an eternity of peace, joy and rest.

Years ago, I served in church ministry with Bob Perdue.  Bob had (and has) chronic lupus. He’s well acquainted with pain and suffering.    Bob used to jokingly say, “There’s nothing I’m experiencing now that won’t be fully cured in 100 years.”  And you know what, he’s right.

For a believer in Jesus, the best really is yet to come.

What do you think?