Let’s face it, when we are going through difficult times, it’s a struggle to find joy. Well, we are not by ourselves but that’s not likely to help us.
There has to be a place to go when our joy is depleted. The usual factors as money, relationships and entertainment are too fleeting for us to count on.
Learning what joy is can help us in bad situations. Looking to God’s Word is the answer. There is stability in the Bible-it never changes.
Psalm 16:11 NIV “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
The passage above is a Psalm of David. As we know, he had many trials through life. He always knew where to go, even when he became overwhelmed with problems.
Here we see not only the help God gave him, “You make known to me the path of life;”, but God blessed him with joy. Where did this joy come from? The presence of God. How did He find it? Humbling himself and going to the Lord for help.
We see where to go and who to go to. Now we should look at the real basis for joy.
What is Biblical Joy?
“Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives.” Christianity.com
Biblical joy is not the same as happiness.
Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment. When people are successful, or safe, or lucky, they feel happiness. Vocabulary.com
Biblical joy is not based on circumstances or on the way we feel. Most of us know how up and down that can be.
It’s based on our relationship with God. He supplies the joy and it is beyond any earthly happiness we can have.
Why is joy important in trials?
Joy Anchors us
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and a lot of the Israelites had returned after the 70 year exile. Ezra is reading scripture to them and they realize how sinful they have been. They have confessed their sins and feel discouraged.
Nehemiah tells them it’s the first day of the new year and God’s special feast day. He tells them to join together in celebration of the Lord. Their anchor and strength is the joy of the Lord. Knowing Jesus.com
Spiritual Growth
James 1:2-4 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
In this passage, James is telling us that we should consider trials to be joy. The testing of our faith produces perseverance. It’s hard to grasp, but these bring spiritual growth and with that, joy unspeakable from our God.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Joy
Read God’s Promises
Romans 15:13 NIV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This is a beautiful verse which encourages us especially in our distresses.
- God is a God of hope. This hope comes from Jesus Christ’s work on the cross and resurrection to redeem us from sin. What better hope than to know He is with us both now and forever.
- Joy and peace are His gifts as we trust in Him.
- so we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit which comes into our life the moment we trust in Jesus Christ personally.
This is a promise we can claim to help us overcome trials.
Practice Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The key words in this verse is all circumstances. Giving thanks when we’re suffering is not at the top of our list. Sometimes it’s hard enough just to survive.
The truth is, I’ve been there and most of us have. I have found this to be true. When our hearts are breaking, God understands and gives us peace and comfort. We just have to go and ask Him.
Something to consider is to start a journal to record things you’re grateful for. Prayer requests could also be added and God’s answers to those requests. This reminds us of all He does for us.
Stay in Touch
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Do not be anxious about anything.
- Every time go to God in prayer with your petitions. Thank Him for past answered prayer.
- God will give you His peace which is beyond our understanding and will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Don’t wait until you are so deep in the trial it’s hard to do anything. Go immediately to God and get relief.
Fellowship and Support
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This passage begins with, what?
- Let us consider (The Lord’s command)
- How we can encourage one another in love and good deeds. (This works!)
- Don’t give up on meeting together. Look at every one the way God see them-this creates unity.
- Encourage one another because the Lord is fast approaching.
How God’s Joy Can Transform Our Attitude
Acts 16:25 NIV “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Paul healed a woman with a spirit who enabled her to tell the future. This left her owners without a way to make money and they brought Paul and Silas before the authorities. They were stripped, beaten and placed in the inner prison with their feet in stocks.
After these events, Paul and Silas rejoiced and sang God’s praises. Not what we would expect. Because of their dependence on God, He enabled them overcome their situation with His joy. This is an example of how joy can transform our attitude. God gives us what we need at that moment.
Conclusion-A Call to Choose Joy
Trials are never easy and can be an overwhelming struggle. These scriptures show us a way out. Remember, a choice for joy is based on trusting God in all circumstances.
The steps within these verses can help us in our daily life to nurture joy even when life is overwhelming. God has all the answers.
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