Some people attribute a lack of joy to unfavourable circumstances. They believe joy is attainable only when their circumstances enable them to experience joy. The Bible offers a completely different perspective. Paul testified, “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” Paul experienced tribulation and yet was exceeding joyful! He also wrote of the churches of Macedonia abounding in joy though they were “in a great trial of affliction” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Furthermore, Paul wrote of the saints of God in Thessalonica that they received the word of God with joy even though they were “in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Lastly, believers should “count it all joy” when falling into divers temptations (James 1:2). We should understand that our joy as Christians is not dependent upon favourable circumstances.
The Bible describes God as a God of truth. He will not lie (1 Samuel 15:29) and cannot lie (Titus 1:2). This attribute of truth is designated to each person of the Trinity or the Godhead. Truth is declared as an attribute of God the Father in Titus 1:1-2, of God the Son in John 14:6, and of God the Spirit in John 16:13. Even the very words of God are ascribed this attribute in John 17:17 where the Bible says, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Thank God that He is truth and so is His word. A lie to the least extent within the words of God or in God’s very nature would incriminate God’s expressed deity. Lying is contrary to the nature of God. The scripture says that it is “impossible” for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Impossible! It would be a different world if men would simply live more like Christ.
