Joy - A Missing Delight

 My mom and I talked about this the other day: having joy through everything you go through in life. The ups and the downs. The hidden desires and the present disappointments.  So I was wanting to read the book of Philippians. What better place to look for real, true joy than the Word of God?


The word Joy in Philippians can be used different ways.

 One of the ways it is used is the Greek word "Chara". This is used five times in the book. The meaning according to Strong's is cheerfulness. BUT the second meaning is what caught my eye today.

Calm delight.

 

 

When I think of the word joy I think of bubbly and happy, an active kind of joy.

Joyful children run and laugh and play,

but this calm delight?



 

It must radiate from within,

a peaceful strength,

a contented joy.

Oh, how I lack this but how I want it!

 

 

But here the Lord is showing that joy resides within

and it isn't always manifested actively,

but is radiated from within

in a joyful countenance,

A Calm Delighted Countenance.

Simplicity in Christ Part 2

II Corinthians 11:3

"...The simplicity that is in Christ..."

Simplicity - singleness, sincerity, generosity, bountifulness

The word Simplicity mentioned here is the same Greek word for the phrase “singleness of heart” used in other parts of Scripture.

Paul wanted these believers to be the real deal- true, sincere believers bestowed by the bountifulness of God. After researching the words of the first two verses you find strong language from Paul.

Vs. 1 “Bear with me a little in my folly”
Paul  is asking for forbearance and endurance(“bear) in his senselessness, recklessness (“folly”)

Vs. 2a “I am jealous over you with godly jealousy”
Despite the word jealousy being used twice in the same verse, they are slightly different meanings. Paul speaks of  the first jealousy, meaning his warmth of feeling for them. The second a godly jealousy, speaks of heat and zeal, venturing to say Paul’s passion.

Vs. 2b “Espoused you…that I may present you…a chaste virgin.”
Paul was the one who introduced them to Christ, and now he is ready to stand by and “give them away” just like a father gives away his daughter at a wedding. But he wants them to be a pure, modest bride, not covered by the fornication of the world.

  What Difference Does is make?