I cannot emphasize too strongly that the joy of the Kingdom of God is not dependent on outward appearances or circumstances. “Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice,” says the apostle Paul. Paul was in prison when he penned these encouraging words. “Your joy no man taketh from you,” Jesus promised, and He was within a few hours of the excruciating agony of the cross when He said it. But it must be the real thing and not counterfeit. This joy is not an easy-going optimism that refuses to face facts. It is not the starry-eyed Charismatic joy that thinks there is to be no more trouble, suffering, or travail, that only health and prosperity and blessings galore are the right of every child of God. Kingdom joy is not a pretended mask which hides a sad heart, courageous as that may be. Nor is it callous indifference to the suffering around us. It is the real joy which comes from union with the Infinite and Eternal and from the deep knowing that all is in our Father’s loving hands; that, come what may, things have not got out of hand; that He is working perfectly to bring forth His highest in every situation, and so it will be whether we understand it or not.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Jul 2013 07:05:14 +0000