Article December 12, 1959 Issue

GOD'S GIFT OF JOY

HELEN V. WHITE

Do we sometimes feel it to be impossible to obey the Bible injunction to rejoice? Do we accept the argument of mortal belief to wait until our current problem is solved before expressing gladness of heart? This was not the method of the Way-shower, Christ Jesus, who rejoiced and gave thanks before there was outward evidence of harmony. He assured his followers of the permanence of joy when he said (John 16:22), "Ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."

When the Apostle Paul exhorted the Philippians (4:4), "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice," he did not qualify his counsel with restrictions about their human experiences or environment. Real joy is a spiritual quality, expressed by all of God's children. Those who know this have the ability to rejoice regardless of human circumstances.

Paul proved this to be true when he and Silas were unjustly cast into prison. They exercised their freedom to express the spiritual qualities of joy and thanksgiving in the face of what appeared to be an appalling and insurmountable obstacle. As they did so, their chains fell from them, and they were free. Neither hatred of the truth which Paul preached nor threats of violence against him could dim his vision of God's goodness and allness.

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