When the Bible speaks of Joy it is often accompanied by the term complete. That is no coincidence. As the word has made clear, Joy comes from the Spirit and is not tied to circumstance. In fact, As Jesus’ brother James expressed, we should count it PURE joy when we encounter trials of various kinds. It is those trials that act as our training, our spiritual fitness guides, ultimately the very way we are made complete in Christ.
Paul reiterates that in his letter to the Philippians. He knows his trials has allowed the Gospel to be spread and the Brothers in Christ to preach boldly. It is joy and completeness born out in the spreading of the Good news.
But the talks of joy also define David in Psalm 16. David sings God praise because God has carried him through all things. God is His source of joy and has made His joy and life complete. David saw that Joy and completeness because he trusted and followed the lord. It is not a fleeting emotion, joy is a way of life granted by God and invaluable as a tool in our walk of faith and ministry to others.
We can never underestimate Joy’s power in our lives. We must cling to it as we experience the daily challenges of walking with God in our world. God will never leave or forsake us, but He will allow us to experience the same rigorous challenges that He allowed David, Paul, and James. We face these days, knowing that God will complete us in His time and in His way.
God Bless You
James 1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Philippians 1
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Psalm 16
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Walking With God 