FINDING JOY IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
Any person who knows me well, knows that I am an early riser. I like to wake up early, have my cup of tea and meditate on God’s word before leaving for work.
Individuals have asked, how can I be so cheerful in the mornings? The Word of God says “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” This joy I have did not happen overnight; it took lots of prayers, fasting and meditation. Learning to praise God during difficult times is very hard.
One thing that kills my joy quickly is the daily news and individuals who cannot appreciate God’s goodness. Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in wealth, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed; but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. One thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances.
Psalm 16:11, the psalmist writes, “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.” Once again, God gives us joy, even when we are not happy.
Joy comes easily in some seasons of life – such as the birth of a child, grand-child, weddings, graduations, or birthday celebrations. However, during trials and tribulations, we can find that joy is possible even when we are suffering. God’s presence brings peace to any situation. He understands us as no one else can, and only He alone can meet our every need.
No human being can complete us; always remember God is enough. In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. That is why Paul could rejoice from a jail cell and be content with a little or a lot because no one and nothing on Earth could separate him from his God.
As we strive on a daily basis to obtain the joy that Jesus had while He walked this earth; remember the joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father – the joy of doing that which the Father had sent Him to do. Jesus wants our joy to eventually become the same as His.
Even when life doesn’t follow the path we want, God gives us the ability to experience joy in every circumstance. All we have to do is turn to Him and start talking. Tell Him what we are dreaming of and what we are thankful for.
In God’s presence, we too, can have fullness of joy. When God is our everything we can be content in anything.
Faith Step: Have you allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy in your life? When was the last time you truly felt God’s presence?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, clothe us in a spirit of beatitude so that we may be a source of joy for others today. Holy Spirit, fill us with joy! God, we are struggling to find happiness in this season. Please be with us and guide us toward you as we desire happiness with You. Amen!
Written by Donnis Prass
Individuals have asked, how can I be so cheerful in the mornings? The Word of God says “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” This joy I have did not happen overnight; it took lots of prayers, fasting and meditation. Learning to praise God during difficult times is very hard.
One thing that kills my joy quickly is the daily news and individuals who cannot appreciate God’s goodness. Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in wealth, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed; but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. One thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances.
Psalm 16:11, the psalmist writes, “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.” Once again, God gives us joy, even when we are not happy.
Joy comes easily in some seasons of life – such as the birth of a child, grand-child, weddings, graduations, or birthday celebrations. However, during trials and tribulations, we can find that joy is possible even when we are suffering. God’s presence brings peace to any situation. He understands us as no one else can, and only He alone can meet our every need.
No human being can complete us; always remember God is enough. In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. That is why Paul could rejoice from a jail cell and be content with a little or a lot because no one and nothing on Earth could separate him from his God.
As we strive on a daily basis to obtain the joy that Jesus had while He walked this earth; remember the joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father – the joy of doing that which the Father had sent Him to do. Jesus wants our joy to eventually become the same as His.
Even when life doesn’t follow the path we want, God gives us the ability to experience joy in every circumstance. All we have to do is turn to Him and start talking. Tell Him what we are dreaming of and what we are thankful for.
In God’s presence, we too, can have fullness of joy. When God is our everything we can be content in anything.
Faith Step: Have you allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy in your life? When was the last time you truly felt God’s presence?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, clothe us in a spirit of beatitude so that we may be a source of joy for others today. Holy Spirit, fill us with joy! God, we are struggling to find happiness in this season. Please be with us and guide us toward you as we desire happiness with You. Amen!
Written by Donnis Prass
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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