Devotional
Joy in the Circumstances
They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2
2 Corinthians 8:2
We humans are so often fooled into the belief that it is our external circumstances that bring us fulfilling joy. This is at the core of our desire for money. We believe if we have enough money then we will have no more worries.
We do this with many other things too. If only I had a different job ….. If only I was married to someone else …… If only I had more money …… If only …… . This is how we show that we believe our internal joy depends on outward circumstances.
But it is not true. Joy is affected most by the attitude of the heart.
In the above verse, Paul uses the example of the Macedonian church. The external circumstances of these Christians were not great. The wording Paul uses indicates a severe suffering. It is likely that their community has rejected their newfound faith. This has led to a society exclusion which has resulted in poverty.
Yet Paul speaks of them as “filled with abundant joy”. This term carries the understanding of something that is not just filled up but overflowing. And the overflow is remarkable. It is not what you would expect from people who are poor. The overflow of joy results in generosity. Their external circumstances were dire. But the joy in their lives came from the heart.
This joy comes by the presence of God and his wonderful promises. They were a part of something great.
This gave them joy regardless of the circumstances.
Brett
We do this with many other things too. If only I had a different job ….. If only I was married to someone else …… If only I had more money …… If only …… . This is how we show that we believe our internal joy depends on outward circumstances.
But it is not true. Joy is affected most by the attitude of the heart.
In the above verse, Paul uses the example of the Macedonian church. The external circumstances of these Christians were not great. The wording Paul uses indicates a severe suffering. It is likely that their community has rejected their newfound faith. This has led to a society exclusion which has resulted in poverty.
Yet Paul speaks of them as “filled with abundant joy”. This term carries the understanding of something that is not just filled up but overflowing. And the overflow is remarkable. It is not what you would expect from people who are poor. The overflow of joy results in generosity. Their external circumstances were dire. But the joy in their lives came from the heart.
This joy comes by the presence of God and his wonderful promises. They were a part of something great.
This gave them joy regardless of the circumstances.
Brett
Posted in Devotional