Joy During a Pandemic

With the Covid-19 pandemic, sheltering in place, social distancing, sanitizing activity, washing hands, closing of businesses, people out of work, and other things that have placed our country (and the entire world) in crisis, it is hard to think about being joyful.  In order to find joy some people have tried drugs, others have tried drink, some try music, positive thinking, and some just hunker down in anxiety and fear. Some of these things may bring happiness for a period of time, but they all lead to disappointment. The problem is that people are looking for real joy in the wrong places.

It is possible to have joy during difficult circumstances if a person goes to the right source. Even though the Apostle Paul was sitting in a jail cell he and his companion were “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). How could he do that?  He also could say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). How could he say that?  During other difficult circumstances, he said, “I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (II Corinthians 7:4). How could he be so positive and joyful when experiencing difficulties?

What the Apostle Paul learned was to go to God who is the source of  joy. The psalmist helped point this out when he said, “You (God) make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). When we come to God and put our trust in Him, we have found the right source of joy. God gives it to you and me when we have a personal relationship with Him. As a result, the psalmist notes that he was able to “Extol the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1). “All times” includes difficulties -- even a pandemic. For real joy God is the right source to whom we should turn.