BE JOYFUL WITH THE HAPPY GOD

"Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, . . .and the God of love and of peace  will be with you." -2 Corinthians 13:11.


IN THESE dark days, many people see little cause for rejoicing.  When tragedy strikes them or someone they love, they may feel like ancient Job, who said:  "Man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation."  (Job 14:1) Christians are not immune  to the stresses and strains of these "critical times hard to deal with," and it is not surprising that faithful servants of Jehovah sometimes become discouraged. -2 Timothy 3:1.

Still, Christians be joyful, even when under trial.  (Acts 5:40, 41)  To understand how this is possible, consider first what joy is.  Joy has been defined as "the emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good."

Consequently, if we take the time to count our present blessings while meditating on the joys that await us in God's new world, we can be joyful.

Everyone has some blessings for which to be grateful.  A family head may lose his job. Naturally, he is concerned.  He wants to provide his loved ones.  Still, if he is physically strong and in good health, he can be grateful for that.  If he finds employment, he will be able to work hard. On the other hand, a Christian woman may have been stricken with a debilitating illness.  Yet, she may give thanks for the support of loving friends and family members who help her face her illness with dignity and courage. And all true Christians regardless of their circumstances, can rejoice in the privilege of knowing Jehovah, "the happy God," and Jesus Christ,  "the happy and only Potentate."  (1 Timothy 1:11; 6:15) Yes, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are supremely happy.  They have maintained their joy despite the fact that conditions on earth are far different from what Jehovah intended in the beginning.  Their example can teach us much about how to maintain our joy.

Next time: They Have Never Lost Their Joy

The Watchtower, 2001