The Basis of a Joyful Life

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Nov 21, 2015 1810

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12).

Paul begins, “Be joyful in hope.” Every day scores of people take their own lives because they have no hope. When something like a dip in the exchange rate or commodity prices sends them bankrupt, sadly, they commit suicide. Christians, however, have a heavenly Father who promises to care for their basic needs (Matt. 6:25-34). Furthermore, no matter what happens to them in this life, they have a bright and unfading future in Christ’s coming kingdom (John 3:16). Yes, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we have a great deal to be joyful about.

“Be patient in affliction.” There are many things that afflict us in this life. There are diseases, many of which have no cure. There are accidents that leave some people permanently maimed. There are hurtful relationships, and a host of other problems.

Paul’s counsel is for Christians to be patient because this current world will, one day soon, come to an end. Afflictions are not forever. They will be banished at the return of Jesus when the Lord will proclaim, “There shall be no more death or crying or mourning or pain” (Rev. 21:4-5).

Finally, Paul counsels, “Be faithful in prayer.”
One sure sign of your loving relationship with the Lord Jesus is your unbroken prayer life. If you live as though the Lord is present with you everywhere you go, and you talk to him as you drive, walk, and go about your daily duties, sharing with him your joys and hurts, and the burdens of your heart, then you are being faithful in prayer. Of course, there will also be special times when you will commune with the Lord.