The Highest Joy
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:2
We are not surprised that the early Christians rejoiced in suffering, since they looked at it in the light of eternity. The nearer death, the nearer a life of eternal fellowship with Christ. When Ignatius was about to die for his faith in AD 110 he cried out, “Nearer the sword, then nearer to God. In company with wild beasts, in company with God.”
The Christians of the early church believed that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18 RSV). Thus they could regard present difficulties as of little consequence and could endure them with patience and cheerfulness.
In all ages Christians have found it possible to maintain the spirit of joy in the hour of trial. In circumstances that would have felled most men, they have so completely risen above them that they actually have used the circumstances to serve and glorify Christ. Paul could write from prison at Rome, “I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12 RSV).
Charles Haddon Spurgeon shares this unique perspective on joy:
Confident hope breeds inward joy. The man who knows that his hope of glory will never fail him because of the great love of God, of which he has tasted, that man will hear music at midnight; the mountains and the hills will break forth before him into singing wherever he goes. Especially in times of tribulation he will be found “rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.” His profoundest comfort will often be enjoyed in his deepest affliction, because then the love of god will specially be revealed in his heart by the Holy Ghost, whose name is “the Comforter.” Then he will perceive that the rod is dipped in mercy, that his losses are sent in fatherly love, and that his aches and pains are all measured out with gracious design. In our affliction god is doing nothing to us which we should not wish for ourselves if we were as wise and loving as God is. O friends! you do not want gold to make you glad, you do not even need health to make you glad; only get to know and feel divine love, and the fountains of delight are unsealed to you—you are introduced to the highest joy!
Our Father and our God, bring me nearer to You at all times. Let me glory in sufferings that urge me into Your presence. Let me celebrate difficult times that remind me of You. Help me always to know and feel Your divine love for me, especially when times are tough. Through Christ, my suffering Savior. Amen.
Billy Graham, Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010).