Joy in the Midst of Trials
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” – James 1:2
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No one enjoys going through trials but ever since sin entered the world, bad things happen, even to good people. Jesus said in Matthew 5 :45 the rain falls on the just and the unjust. So rather than grumble and complain (my go to response) what if we choose to respond in joy?
Joy is not just a reaction to good times. Remember, joy is a fruit of the Spirit The more we are molded into His image, the more we reflect Him in all we do. And do you know what shapes us? Fire. That’s right, the Potter carefully molds the clay and then He places it in an oven where the vessel is hardened into the shape it was supposed to be all along.
Do you think the Hebrew boys emerged from the fiery furnace the same as when they entered? They may have looked the same, but no one has an encounter with the living God and remains the same. Even the king was changed, and he was seemingly just an onlooker.
May I encourage you today to ask God what you are supposed to be learning, and I hope you will allow the joy of the Lord to become your strength. And then, get excited to see what God is doing!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Amen
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