As Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing

The Apostle Paul, and others in the New Testament testify of a joy in the midst of situations and circumstances that are not usually thought of as "joyful."

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The Apostle Paul provides us with a glimpse into his life and ministry. Consider his hardships: 2 Corinthians 4:8,9; 7:5,6; 11:23-28; 12:15.

In the midst of these conditions, Paul gives this testimony:  2 Corinthians 6:4; 7:4.  There are other testimonies of the same thing: 2 Corinthians 8:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 10:34;  1 Peter 1:6

How can we understand the experience of joy, in the midst of hardship?

1. Joy and Sorrow Are Not Mutually Exclusive.  (Neither are joy and trials, hardships, tragedy, poverty...)

2. This Joy is Dependent Upon the Object of Your Joy.

a. If my joy is in my circumstances (health, possessions, friends...) then when the circumstances change or when I don't get the desired outcome ... then my joy changes.

b. The object of my joy needs to be in God Himself.  He doesn't change, so regardless of what goes on in my life, I can still rejoice.  With God, I can still have joy even though my circumstances bring me sorrow. 

3. Joy in God Himself.  Regardless of my circumstances, I have the following:

a. His Presence.  Psalm 16:11;  Hebrews 13:5

b. His  Promises.   cp. 1 Corinthians 10:13

c. His Provisions.   For example His Word, Jeremiah 15:16