Going through hard times is inevitable, as much as we (especially me) would like to have a limited number of problems – it’s just not realistic… we will face difficulty.
Even Jesus informs us that we will go through tribulations “John 16:33: Amplified Bible, Classic Edition -- 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration, but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Not only does Jesus tell us we will go through tribulation, but he also says he has overcome the world. This lets me know that even though we’re going through these difficult times, Jesus wins, and we win. It doesn’t mean we won’t be uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean it won’t be painful, and many other words can describe the struggles we go through. But I believe we can find joy in the fact that God has the final say and he’s right with us along the way. Also, difficulty deepens our relationship with Christ; it strengthens our faith (we will get on the other side of this struggle), it’s character building, and it becomes a testimony that can be used to encourage someone else (that is a part of our partnership with God).
One of my biggest challenges is finding joy in the midst of difficulty. I go through phases. I am faced with a problem. I lock in on faith. The problem lasts longer than I thought it would. I start to cry. I lock in on faith again. God gets me through. I am stronger, and then I am ready to tell my story. Can you relate to this? Or is it just me? I have to continuously remind myself that I am not doing this life alone. Worship music, daily devotionals, and reading the word always keep me in that remembrance.
Scripture says:
Romans 5:3-5 AMP (Amplified Bible)
And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I encourage you to take this scripture on your journey.
Joy is found in the Lord, but the big question is: what does the transition look like to ultimately find joy in the Lord? For me, that’s surrendering my problem to him. I have found myself crying on my knees, crying out to the Lord for help and asking the Holy Spirit to help me not to focus so hard on a problem that now has to be in his hands, because I’ve done all that I could do. Then I feel this peace and calmness come over me. I get this sense that it’s going to be okay, because I finally let God be involved. Meaning, sometimes we want to be the ones to solve the problem, and that's where the frustration comes in: this problem is much bigger than our human bodies and minds can handle. We have to look forward to our Heavenly Father, who can perform miracles. So, when we find ourselves on the other side of the problem…God should get all the glory for bringing his children out of this situation. How awesome it is that we serve a mighty God who loves us unconditionally and is willing to step in and change things around. That’s how I find joy in the Lord. I know that I serve a mighty God, Jesus is my intercessor, and the Holy Spirit lives in me; therefore, the Holy Trinity is moving and shaking things on my behalf at all times.
Lastly, contentment while things are moving and shaking on your behalf. I know that everyone is fighting a different battle, and some battles are much bigger than others. Varying from grief, finances, health, relationships, educational barriers, trauma, mental health, and so many more. Contentment may even seem like a crazy idea, but here’s why it’s not: God is unchanging, the same way he brought all of your previous problems, he will bring you through this current one. Even though the circumstances are different, he remains the same powerful, redeeming, hope-giving, loving, merciful, and gracious God. This doesn’t mean we put our feelings aside as we navigate this hardship, but it should comfort you to know that you’re not alone; you serve a God who keeps his promises. This is where contentment can begin.
Scripture says:
Philippians 4:11-13
Amplified Bible - 11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
I hope that you found peace in these words and scriptures. Our Heavenly Father wants to be a part of your journey; He wants you to have joy, peace, contentment, trust, and faith. This will always be a work in progress as we face new challenges, sometimes stronger than the ones we faced before. We must stay in his word daily, seeking him, seeking wisdom and understanding. I love you, and I encourage you to trust in the Lord with all of your heart. You’re not alone.
SCRIPTURES ON JOY:
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
John 15:11 (NIV)
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer—the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
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,
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
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