Are you one person when life is running smoothly, but a different one when you are visited by hardship and suffering? If yes read on. There is hope.
It’s easy to praise God in good times and easy times when everything is running smoothly.
But what about during struggle? School is a struggle, job loss, low bank account or no bank account, kids driving you crazy it seems. The older they get the more you worry, spouse left, illness or death in family , car broke down. So how do you talk to God then? Do you blame him? Or do you stay on the same path..
How do the circumstances you face impact your life? When you encounter difficult situations, pain, or disappointment, do you notice any changes in your behavior or demeanor? Are you the same person when things are going well as when you face hardship and suffering? It’s common to feel discouraged during tough times, but we must remember that our faith can help us stay strong. While trials can temporarily dampen our spirits, we can still find joy in our relationship with Christ and not let troubles steal it away.
The relationship between believers and Jesus Christ remains unchanging, regardless of the circumstances they face. This unshakable foundation is the source of joy in all situations. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written while he was imprisoned, yet his words were filled with joy. Despite being uncertain about his future and enduring the hardships of prison, he encouraged others to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).
While happiness is dependent on favorable circumstances, joy is rooted in a relationship. Christians have the privilege of experiencing joy in all circumstances because of their relationship with Christ, who sustains them. This joy is different from worldly happiness and is a God-given feeling.
When we become children of God through salvation, the Holy Spirit seals us in this relationship. This knowledge empowers us to face difficulties with inner confidence, joy, and contentment even in the darkest valleys.
Our circumstances should not dictate our disposition. Focusing on our problems instead of Christ can trap us in a cycle of despair. The apostle Paul had an unmovable foundation of joy in Christ, which allowed him to endure even the harshest conditions. He was imprisoned, unable to spread the gospel, and faced false accusations and an uncertain future. Despite all of this, he found joy in Christ and remained confident in his destiny to be with God, never once complaining or expressing sorrow over his confinement.
Paul’s joy came from his relationship with Jesus, a privilege that Christians share because Christ remains unchanged. Although it’s not natural to rejoice during tough times, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit within them to grow during difficult circumstances. Instead of trying to control outcomes, Christians can trust that the Lord will provide for their needs and find joy in Him, which becomes an unshakable foundation.
This joy is a spiritual gift, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Sin can hinder our experience of this joy by disobedience to the Spirit.
Joy is rooted in a relationship, whereas happiness is dependent on circumstances. While conditions can change daily, our relationship with Jesus remains unchanging and eternal. Paul’s relationship with Christ allowed him to transcend his difficult surroundings, and this is possible for us too. Even in times of hardship and suffering, God remains steadfastly with us, and joy can be a reality.
When we experience pain, we can still find joy because God walks through our struggles with us. He is in control of our circumstances and works to turn our trials into good. We are never separated from His love, so we can thank Him for what He’s doing in us.
To understand how to find joy in the midst of pain, we can look to 1 Peter 1:3-8, which reminds us that our faith is being refined through trials and will be honored at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Joy is more than a feeling; it’s a deep assurance and confidence that overflows from who we are. We forgot God Is Hope . We are given grace-mercy-bodily-confidentiality-love-cleansing-a new beginning.
Tonight before bed get on your knees and read
Psalms 139:1-6 TPT
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
We need to get on our knees to show reverence. I know many have physical limitations. But if you can get on your knees. It will transform your prayer life. And the only thing that will kneel is from doing this is PRIDE Pride will say I don’t need this he knows my hurts. If you have something you don’t want to surrender you won’t be able to do this. Because of Pride.
He is the righteous HOLY God and you are to be on bend knee you are acknowledging his holiness, his grace. Be as a small child and get on your knees and say that Bible verse. Do it daily or nightly
Watch your life start to change.
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 4:1-4 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:22-23 | Hebrews 13:5 | 1 Peter 1:3-8 Psalm 139:1-6
More passages to read
Lamentations 3:26
Ephesians: 6:10-18
1 Peter:5:8
Joyful-Echoes 