DON'T GIVE UP YOUR JOY!
"...I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction." (2 Corinthians 7:4)
Life is hard. Going from storm to storm can where you down mentally and physically. My message to you today is: don't give up you joy. You should know what your joy is and know how to maintain it.
In this passage, Paul let's the Corinthians know that he has been going through many things. Paul has been beaten, shipwrecked, lied on, and talked about unkindly; all for lifting up the name of Jesus.
He's had to rebuke the Corinthians for immorality, idol worship, etc. But he is pleased that some in the Corinthian church have repented and devoted themselves to Christ. Even in the midst of his tribulations, Paul did not respond in kind. Paul had a "peace" that came from God. Peace that leads to strength during difficult circumstances.
What is this "joy" that Paul speaks of here? Joy is a product of Glory. Glory radiates from God. Glory is the brilliance of God. We are God's advertisement when we allow His radiance to flow through us. When you have joy, no matter what happens, you know god will provide.
We maintain joy as we focus on the big picture. That means we don't just focus on the problems we are experiencing now, but also what we have been promised by God in the future. Joy is sum total of everything. We know that in the end, we win.
So if you are having difficult times today, don't despair. Things will get better. Just wait and see. In the meantime, "DON'T GIVE UP YOUR JOY."