Thoughts: For some, rejoicing and gentleness have nothing to do with each other. Yet Paul juxtaposes them here. There is an old Christian song that says, "Now I'm happy, happy, happy all the time." But the constant joy Paul talks about is not simply a "happiness" for that would depend on "happenstance" or our circumstances. It is not that we are dancing or shouting all the time, lest our feet grow weary and our voices grow hoarse. Rather, this is a constant, continual joy that no circumstance can take away. Remember Paul was in prison writing this- and he even sang and worshiped in prison. It is not an ignoring of our circumstances. But there is a gentle, steadfast, continual joy that comes from knowing no circumstance can take our God and our faith away. The cross- the worst the world could do- could not keep our Lord down. This is not a forcing of joy on others either. We are called to be gentle and kind even with our joy. We know, no matter what God is near us. He will never leave us nor forsake us here. Eventually, and relatively soon in the face of eternity, we will all see Him face to face- either by death or by His coming. Our joy is found not in our circumstances, but in the presence and hope of our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have a continual, gentle joy. Help me to trust in you in the midst of tough times. Help me also to be gentle, kind, compassionate in how I share my joy with others.
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