Finding Joy in Circumstances

In Paul's letter to the Philippians in 1:12-18 he gives them a testimony of what the Lord has and is doing in his life. It’s interesting that when we read about the life of Paul as it is revealed through Scripture we see that Pauls life was a life that was marked with hardships, difficulties, let downs, depression, being abased, threatenings, danger, and discouragement. To say that Paul’s life was easy would be an understatement. Yet Pauls life was filled with joy even in the midst of his most unpleasant circumstances. Unfortunately there are many who believe that a life without difficulty or disappointment is the mark of a Christian life that is blessed by God or that if they have difficulties or disappointments in their life then God’s love must not be towards them. So the question must be asked where do we find real joy? Where is the happiness? How can we find joy in the circumstances that we find ourselves in? How can we know that the circumstances that I am placed in are of God’s doing and what is the purpose of them?