Comment: In spite of their labours in the work of God and the persecutions which they suffered, the apostles and their helpers carried on the work with joy because of their firm belief in His promises. (2 Corinthians 12:10) One has to be firmly convinced of the existence of God and His love for His people to remain joyful in spirit in this perilous world.  See 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Happiness does not lie in having material abundance but in faith in the sure promises of God, for His people in this world but particularly in the world to come. Apostle Paul declared that Abraham obeyed the call to go to a country he did not know, and was happy to dwell in tents in a strange land, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. (Hebrews 11:8-10) Even though Moses had the opportunity to live in royalty in Egypt, he shunned all that, “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt….” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Though the spiritually unlearned may regard Christians as sorrowful, yet they are always rejoicing in heart; as poor, yet they are making many rich; “as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” by the grace of God. – 2 Corinthians 6:10.