Choose Joy
Brothers and sisters, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will ENDURE hard trials on this side of glory. We can expect that, but we can also expect the Holy Spirit within us to help us ENDURE just like Jesus did. Remember, no suffering on this side of glory compares to the glory and JOY revealed when we see Jesus. NOTHING:
NO SICKNESS
HEARTACHE
NO DISAPPOINTMENT
NO DEATH
On this side of glory, Jesus said to count it ALL JOY. James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy my brothers (and sisters) when you encounter trials of various kinds.
But how do you choose joy when your heart is heavy, you feel broken, and you can't think about tomorrow because today is all you can handle?
Surrender to God. Surrendering to God is an act of humility, it’s admitting that you can’t and acknowledging that He can.
Trust God. Trust that He has a plan for you. Trust that He wants His best for you.
Your weeping may ENDURE for a night, but JOY comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5b.
Remember God's time is not our timing, so your night might seem long. Like being married ten years before God opens your womb to bear fruit. And then you deliver your precious baby six months later, at two pounds three ounces, and with lots of complications. Yes, the night can be very long.
Mighty Savior may your joy be our strength each and every day as we commit to trusting you with ALL our heart. Your way is perfect and when you have tried us we shall come forth as pure gold, amen!!
But joy does come in the morning; there were many moments I was afraid and didn't know what would happen. Still, I held to God's unchanging hand. Now I praise Him, that two pound 3 ounce baby is 26 years old and God is doing great and mighty things in and through her life. I still have to trust Him moment by moment and even when things don't look good or feel good, I remember God is good.
Yes, you may be in a bad place or going through a hard time. Yes, your struggle IS real. But so is God and so are His promises!
To choose Joy, trust that where you are right now is not where God intends to leave you!
Cling to Him, and as you keep moving forward, watch for His blessings in your life. Stay prayerful. Keep Praising.
Family Teresa and I encourage you right this moment, "choose JOY!" Philippians 4:4, says rejoice and again I say rejoice.
Important: If you are battling depression please seek professional help. Never suffer in silence, tell someone, ask for & get help, you are not alone.
BE EQUIPPED:
5 Practical Ways to Choose Joy
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Diligently Seek Him
Dear Jesus, we need you right now and we are trusting you that you are at work in our lives for your glory, honor, and praise.
We trust you with ALL our heart and we will not lean on our own understanding.
We stand with our brothers and sisters who are struggling to believe and we ask you right now to strengthen and encourage them in their hearts as only you can, in your name we pray, amen!!!
Dear brothers and sisters, don't stop believing what God has spoken to your hearts whether it has been:
ONE HOUR
ONE DAY
ONE YEAR
OR LONGER
Remember…God is a rewarder of those who don't stop seeking Him and believe all that He has declared over their life, in His Word, will come to pass.
Have faith...trust Him. Show faith…diligently. Activate faith…seek Him. Let this be your first response to the desire/need to “do something.”
Yes, your circumstances may be hard… but don’t give up!
Today seek Him while He may be found, call on Him while He is near!!!