2 Corinthians Chapter 8: Verses 1-3 (NIV)
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
Nehemiah Chapter 8: Verse 10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
At first reading of these verses in 2 Corinthians today, we see two oxymorons in Paul’s description of the situation in the Macedonian churches. Overflowing joy in a severe trial, and extreme poverty welling up in rich generosity. Certainly, two seemingly contradictions in terms.
How is it possible that these descriptive words could be linked together, and more so, what made the Macedonians able to live in such joy, and be so generous in the midst of severe trial and extreme poverty? My personal opinion is that they had learned the truth spoken by Jeremiah. I think they had learned and proved that the joy of the Lord was indeed their strength.
Joy is much more than feeling happy. It is the feeling that “it is well with my soul.” It goes beyond our emotions and feelings, allowing us to live life to the full no matter what is going on. When we meet someone who knows how to harness that joy in the midst of trials, we cannot help but be impacted by their testimony. But I don’t think that is just for certain people; I think that’s how all Christians are supposed to live, because we have Jesus with us. We are never alone. When we are struggling, I believe that the devil tries to rob us of that joy, and that’s why things get tough. We need to find way to ensure that we hold on to it. We can do as Paul suggested and think of the things listed in Philippians Chapter 4 verse 8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Imagine the testimony if someone could describe the grace God has given us in the same terms as Paul did. Its not impossible. We are in the hands of the same God. We just need to trust Him.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example from the Macedonian churches about how to live in times of severe trial. Help me to hold on to the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. I ask in His Name. Amen.