“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11).

Life was hard in Paul’s day. The “modern conveniences” we enjoy were nonexistent in the first century world. Added to the daily struggles they faced were the additional hostilities they endured as followers of Christ. After all, embracing the teaching of a dead man, one who was crucified, came at a high cost. In contrast, we live in a pluralistic society, one in which everything is generally accepted as long we give equal tolerance to the views of others. Such was not the case for them.

It’s in that light that I am struck by the multiple times the Apostle Paul sought to “strengthen” those to whom he ministered. We see examples of this throughout the books and letters he wrote. But what caught my attention in the passage cited above is his focus on “endurance and patience with joy.” Let me explain what I mean.

The need to endure and be patient is generally associated with something unpleasant. We endure illness, hard times and the like. It’s necessary for us to have patience when things don’t go our way or when we must bear with something we dislike. So in general, the need for endurance and patience becomes necessary when something is not going as we would prefer. That’s an easy enough thing to understand.

But note in particular the way in which Paul linked patience and endurance with joy. From his perspective, endurance and patience should not come at the expense of joy. In other words, joy is possible during seasons of endurance and patience. It’s in that light that his words speak to each of us. Let me explain what I mean.

A good part of my week is spent interacting with you. As you share your prayer requests, as well as your hurts and sorrows, there is often a need for patience and endurance. That goes without saying. But what I have learned in many instances is that joy need not be sacrificed in the midst of the daily trials and challenges we face. How is that accomplished?

Well, it becomes a matter of focus I believe. One can focus on the reasons why endurance is called for, or on the reality of God’s promises and the deep trust they create. You see, whatever we are enduring at any given moment does not compare with the certainty of God’s promises and the trust that flows from them. So if you find yourself needing endurance and patience, the thing to do is to direct your attention to God’s many promises. As you do so, I’m certain that your joy will be restored. Try it. It works. Patience and endurance with joy is possible!