The joy of the Lord

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10 We live in a fallen world and this life can be really hard at times. The Lord can and will give you His joy unspeakable. Joy is defined as "intense or elated happiness; a source of great pleasure; to rejoice." God is the source of your joy. He is the reason you can smile in the midst of your difficulties. He is the One-the only One-who can give you a joy that moves beyond your circumstances. "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now. you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9 This joy that Jesus gives is not based on your circumstances, it is based on Him and Him alone. This joy allows you to endure trials and tribulations knowing all the while that your God is working all things together for your good for you who love the Lord. Romans 8:28 "All things" includes everything, the good and the bad and although you may not understand it now, as you keep your eyes on Jesus and allow Him to shape and mold your character in the trials, you will look back one day and see that He indeed worked it out for your good. The trials may include a loss of a job, sickness, struggles with family members, persecution, separation or divorce. As hard as it may be, the purpose of your pain and suffering is to cause you to look to Jesus-to trust Him with your heart, soul, mind and body and know that He has a plan and His plan is always for your good. We have been created to glorify God and yes, to suffer for Him. Jesus was the perfect example of this as He willingly laid down His life for you and for me. He came to rescue sinners. To make a way where there was no way to the Father. We can never be good enough; we could never read the Bible enough or go to church enough...it is only by the blood of Jesus that we are set free. We are set free from the bondage of sin. We are set free from the chains that used to hold us captive...because of Jesus and His finished work on the cross. He is our source of joy. He is the one we can always depend on-He will never let us down. There is joy in His presence. Psalm 21:6 This joy that you and I have is not something the world can give. As you praise God in your pain and suffering, the world will see and God will be glorified. The world cannot understand this joy, but you, as you reflect Jesus, can be such a light to someone who needs Jesus. You never know who is watching your life...it isn't about just words, it is about living your life and making a difference in the lives of others around you and showing them the hope they too can have in Jesus. This life on earth is so short in comparison with eternity. There will be an end one day to all of the pain and suffering...one glorious day....in the meantime, keep your eyes on Him.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Live for God, not man

Paul wrote these words in Galations, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." 1:10 Which one are you doing? Who do you place your confidence in? It is so easy to get caught up in pleasing other people, but we can never please everyone no matter how hard we try. We need to look to the One who is the author and finisher of our faith. Do everything that you do for the glory of God. He is the One you will stand before one day, not your spouse, your parents your children or your friends. We are called to be set apart. This means that sometimes we are to take a stand even when it is difficult and may (probably will) cause division. When Christ comes in and takes over, He begins to change you from the inside out. This is not something you can do on your own. Things you once did, you no longer have the desire to do and when you are tempted, God will show you the way ...
Read more

Hold on!

"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 We serve a God who is so faithful. He is faithful to us even when we are not. He has an appointed time for everything. And friend, His purpose will prevail. This is not in our time...we must remember, that it is in His perfect timing. He knows what is best for us and He will work ALL things for our good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. He uses all of our circumstances to conform us to the likeness of His Son Jesus. Romans 8:28-29 My friend, I don't know what you are going through or how long you have been waiting for the answer from God, but please do not give up. Don't lose hope in the fact that your God is mighty and powerful. Don't stop short of the answer. He tells us in His word to not get weary in well-doing, for in due season, if you faint not, you will receive your reward.Galatians 6:9 This is a promise from God Almighty. He cannot lie. But we have t...
Read more

Satan Is Your Enemy, Not People

I know there are times when it feels like others are truly your enemy, by the things they say or how they treat you, however, they are not your real enemy-satan is. While he does use people as part of his strategy, he is always the one behind the warfare. You must remember this at all times. Don't let satan catch you off guard. He will come at you especially during times you are tired both physically and emotionally. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy-your family, your testimony, your finances, your relationships and your health. satan is the father of lies, he was a murderer from the beginning and there is no truth found in him (John 8:44).      Satan has been deceiving people since the Garden of Eden where he first deceived Eve. He appeared to her and asked "Did God really say, you must not eat from any tree in the garden?" which caused her to question God (Genesis 3:1). Make no mistake, satan knows the word of God and he will distort it for his evil schemes. He...
Read more