I got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy down in my Heart!

In our lesson this week we saw that Paul was able to have joy despite severe circumstances. Paul is a great role model for our journey of Joy.

According to wake-up.org - Day Star “tradition traces the last ten years of Paul’s life in the following way:
AD 61-63 Confined in Caesar’s custody chained to a guard 24 hours a day
AD 63-64 Released
AD 64-68 Re-incarcerated and confined to the Mamertine Prison in Rome (this prison was known for its horrible conditions – no windows, no bed, no table or chairs – just a deep, underground stone cave, with only a small opening in the ceiling).
AD 68-Beheaded by Nero”

For 10 years Paul’s life hung in the balance, yet Paul refused to let imprisonment and the possibility of impending death steal his joy. How? By placing his faith and his trust in the person of Jesus. Jesus “who for the joy set before Him” went to the cross - took the punishment and beatings -and died the ultimate cruel death for us to have a restored relationship with God. Jesus was Paul's role model. Jesus was Paul's focus! Paul’s focus, his joy, was in the eternal purpose and future, not in the day-to-day circumstances of living. “I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:14 (amp).

There are numerous reasons to be found throughout the Bible for us to have joy. You should have discovered them in day 5 of your lesson. Just in case you didn’t get to day five I have listed them here:
Colossians 1:13; 2:13: rescued from darkness, redemption, and the forgiveness of sin
Acts 16:34: Salvation
Ephesians 1:3: Blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ
Ephesians 1:11: Chosen
Ephesians 1:13: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
1st Peter 1:3-4: We have been given new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ… and into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade

Our model for joy is found in the following verses:

“Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT) I love the way the Message translates it – “…every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

We may not always experience happiness. But we can allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with and develop in us "Fruit Joy"If we abide in the vine through our daily activities; if we surrender our will and yield our lives to the Holy Spirits leading; if we keep our focus on the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus we will have true Joy. If we can remember that God works out all things, not some things, but all things to a heavenly purpose, we can have joy in knowing, that while we may not understand it, our trials, our "junky stuff" is being worked out for heavenly glory!

May you be filled with Joy!

Be Encouraged, Sandra