| It is often true “that in a great trial of affliction” the Christian finds his joy in the Lord reaching the highest level. Like Paul who testified “that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead,” and “as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing,” we find our joy in Him greater because of His mercy and faithfulness to us in the hour of trial. With the psalmist we can say that “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. … I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. … I was brought low, and He helped me.” It was when the psalmist was “mourning because of the oppression of the enemy” that he spoke of “God my exceeding joy.” When your circumstances give you no ground for joy, then remember that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” |
