So it’s an emotion, an emotion emanating from positive experience, from circumstance or environment. It’s a response.
But what of the numerous Biblical directives “to rejoice,” to “be joyful”? There are numerous such directives in both Testaments. Are we to force ourselves, to put on a happy face regardless of our situation? That seems fraudulent. In many ways it is.
Scripture never tells us to “fake it.” For the believer, whose confidence is in our God there is no reason to. What is necessary then, especially in difficult times, is to factor in faith. Faith, specifically in what God has promised, must become the circumstance, the environmental factor, that causes us to be joyful. Consider the angelic proclamation of Luke chapter two, verses 11 & 12:
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
There is a solid basis for reasoned faith in these words. Consider that.
The promised is sourced. It comes from an angel from the Lord. That’s a reliable source.
The promise is made for all the people. No question about who it applies to.
The fulfilment of the promise is firmly anchored in time and space, for today in the city of David.
The promise includes the method by which it will be fulfilled, there has been born for you.
The promise has a specific fulfilment, right down to the Name, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
With such sound basis for our faith, it is entirely reasonable that we should believe, and in that belief find the cause to rejoice.
So if you’re in a hard place, take time to consider the promise.
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