Colossians 1:10-11 -- On Longsuffering with Joyfulness

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Colossians 1:10-11


I like the idea here that we can be suffering on one level but still be filled with joy on another level. I think that we have conflicting internal messages like that a lot, and if we work with God, we can find joy even when things are very hard. Not as a "positive mental attitude" thing where we pretend that we aren't suffering, but true joy despite the pain of our current circumstances. It reminds me of a few other scriptures.

• Mosiah 24:15 -- where it tell us that the people did "submit cheerfully" to all the will of the Lord, even though they were basically in slavery.
• 2 Corinthians 4:8 -- where it tells us that we can be "troubled on every side, yet not distressed," etc.
• Mormon 9:14 -- where it tells us that if we learn to be happy in this life, we will still be happy beyond the grave.

Today, let's walk worthy, increasing in the knowledge of the Lord, and praying for the strength to be able to combine joy even with "patience and longsuffering."