“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13

This is the week of Advent in which we focus on Joy. As a hospital chaplain, I am witness to many forms of joy… receiving a good report from surgery, feeling the support of family and friends,  getting a beautiful bouquet from a loved one and, of course, taking home a healthy, newborn baby–my personal favorite.  

I’ve always felt that joy was a special gift from God that was icing on the cake. Not something that we deserve, but something that God wants to give us because He loves us. This is true, but it’s not designed just to make us happy.

Just as I’ve seen the happy moments of life in the hospital, I’ve also been present in the sad times that life presents…bad test results, complicated family relationships, disappointments, and of course, death. 

These events happen to Christians and non-Christians, alike….yet there is a difference. Just as Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have,” we too, as children of God, can experience joy no matter what happens.

The capacity for joy is the “gift that keeps on giving” because nothing on this earth can take it away. While we don’t always feel happy or giddy when we experience God’s special gift, we do sense that the meaning in life is not wrapped up in what we can see, touch, smell or feel on this earth, but in the everlasting love of our Lord. 

This is the true source of our joy and it is “home,” a place that will always be there for us, despite the ups and downs of life. When the world swirls around us, we can always go to the joy of our salvation and know the steadfast love of God is there.

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10 

Judy Phariss Collins is chaplain for Texas Health Resources Presbyterian Kaufman. 

Editor’s Note: This devotional was taken from the 2011 Buckner International Advent Guide. To see the rest of this year’s devotional guide, click here to download a PDF.

Prayers of the Week:
-God, you have filled the world with beauty. Open our eyes to see your hand in all your works, so we may rejoice in your creation and serve you with gladness.
-God, be with those who are broken in body and spirit. Heal them and turn their sorrow into joy.