You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Sometimes in life it seems the joy has faded a bit. There are hills and valleys in everyone’s life, lots of ups and downs along the path. Families that began with exuberant joy and hope are now ending in the pain of divorce-why? There is no more joy in the relationship. There are many who are passing through the days with a dryness of spirit and soul. They are not living life, they are just enduring life. They drift from one day to the next.
Much of our life pressure is the same. Too many people and too much responsibility. Only so much you can get rid of. Things that steal our joy may not be things we don’t like. What is our greatest joy can become our greatest disappointment.
When you feel the joy is gone from your heart, hold fast to the hope that it will return!! Psalm 30:5 tells us Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Believe that though you feel like you are in a valley right now, joy will come again and Jesus is the one to restore it.
Joy in the midst of Tribulation
Have you ever experienced laughter through tears? It is that time when you are heartbroken; crying your eyes out and someone says something funny or silly to cheer you up and you start laughing in spite of the tears streaming down your cheeks. Then you cry more!
Have you ever experienced laughter through tears? It is that time when you are heartbroken; crying your eyes out and someone says something funny or silly to cheer you up and you start laughing in spite of the tears streaming down your cheeks. Then you cry more!
Of course there are those times of tribulation when there is no one present to make you laugh. And the joy you once felt is eluding you. If fact, you can’t find any reason to rejoice…period. God knows what you are going through and He cares about you more than anyone. He wants to heal your pain and restore joy to you again.
Hebrews 13:15 tells us Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Praise helps you focus on what God is going to do in your life rather than you keeping your focus on what is happening around you.
Are you struggling through life? Are you facing eminent death? Are your finances in crisis? Do you need guidance and direction for your life right now? Whatever situation you are going through, I know of a God whose specialty happens to be whatever your problem is.
The truth for us is this-Jesus is not going to just doctor up our lives a little bit. Just put a Band-Aid on our needs. No, He wants to transform your life. Our lives will take on a new nature. Jesus is all about transforming power. Changing people-that's what it’s all about. Restoring joy and Hope.
Finding our joy in temporal things is dangerous.
The things of this earth are fleeting. Wealth and prosperity may only last for a season. But the joy that the love of our family brings can last a lifetime. We have to be careful however not to make other people responsible for our happiness. People will let you down because they are human! God will never leave you or forsake you. His love is the only love that is permanent.
So I encourage you to look back over your life, remember, and give thanks to God for what He has done for you – for truly He has done great things ... and He is worthy of your praise. You and I have no resources available within us to replace the joy. Only Jesus can replace the joy! Trust Him with your heart. Allow yourself to experience His transforming power in your life and restore the joy once again.
Scripture to Claim:
"My brethren, consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials." James 1:2
