Don’t allow ignorance of your purpose to take away your joy.

"…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." James 1:3-4

Even in the midst of problems, we can have great joy because our joy comes from God and not worldly success. Our troubles can bring us closer to God, and the closer we are to God, the more joyful we can become. The Apostle Paul was in prison, and he had every reason to despair, but instead he said in Philippians 4:4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!"

Paul didn't say I am rejoicing because we have cable TV, internet access, university classes, a weight room and library books in prison. Don't think the prisons yesterday were like the prisons today. Paul was in discomfort and in pain, but yet he knew that true joy comes through the midst of our problems. One man prayed in the midst of many trials, "Lord, when am I going to get out of this?" But upon further reflection, he prayed, "Lord, what am I going to get out of this?" Joy is the gift of discovering God's purpose and plan in the midst of trials.