Where's The Joy?!

Psalm 119:71 - My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.

Going through hard times can actually be a good thing.  It teaches, or at least it should, to trust in God more.  Of course we shouldn't wait for those situations to come up in order for us to trust Him, they are a great opportunity for us to increase our faith, and pay attention to what He is trying to teach us.

During these times, it is easy to ask, "Where's the joy in this?!"

For starters, the joy is found in knowing that God's will is being accomplished for our better.  God promises a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11), not eternal suffering for His chosen people.

There is joy to be found knowing that when we respond correctly, those around us - particularly non-believers - get to see real faith on display.  The Apostle Paul talked about this regularly.  He knew he was suffering, but he didn't care, because he was doing so in order for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be shared (Ephesians 6:20, Philippians 1:12-14).

Just because God has closed a door or blocked off a road we thought we should be traveling on, doesn't mean He doesn't like us anymore.  It means He has other things planned for us.  Things we don't know, but that He promises will be amazing and remarkable, great and mighty (Jeremiah 33:3).

How we choose to respond to bumps in the road, speaks volumes about us, our faith, and our God...

Dear Father, thank You for caring enough about me to take the time to close doors that are not meant for me, and open others that are even better.  I deserve nothing good, but You give me great and mighty.  I pray for those that struggle to find their joy during hard times.  I think Paul said it best in Colossians:

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.  May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.  He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.  For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His Dear Son, Who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:11-14).

My prayer for those that can't find their joy, is that they will realize that You didn't send You son to rescue them, just so You could torture them later with suffering.  You did it show that You could show them what real love and joy are, and reveal to them the great and mighty things You have always planned for them from the beginning.  In Jesus' name, Amen!



God Bless!!!