Periods of sadness and depression can enter the life of even the most devout Christian.
We see many examples of this in the Bible.
Job wished he had never been born.
David prayed to be taken away to a place where he would not have to deal with reality.
Elijah, called down from heaven, fled into the desert and asked God to take his life.
So how can we overcome these periods of joylessness?
We can see how these same people overcame their bouts of depression.
Job said that, if we pray and remember our blessings, God will restore us to joy and righteousness.
David wrote that the study of God's Word can bring us joy.
David also realized that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair.
In Elijah's case, God let him rest for a time and then sent a man, Elisha, to help him.
We also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, ibut how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
It may be helpful to share our feelings with a fellow Christian.
We may be surprised to find that he or she has struggled with some of the same things that we are going through.
Most importantly, it is certain that dwelling on ourselves, our problems, our hurts, and especially our pasts will never produce true spiritual joy.
Joy is not found in materialism, it is not found in psychotherapy, and it most certainly is not found in obsession with ourselves.
IT IS FOUND IN CHRIST!
In His wisdom and strength, in His riches and goodness, and in His person only.
If we remain in Him, immerse ourselves in His Word, and seek to know Him more intimately, our “joy will be full”.
But, how can we find joy in the midst of trials?
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries.
And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?”...
Wondering how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy.
Consider it pure joy…’ ‘In this you greatly rejoice…’ Why? Because trials make us stronger.
But how? How can we find joy in the midst of all the junk, hardships, and painful circumstances?
First, we need to understand that joy is not the same as happiness.
Happiness comes and goes sometimes as often as waves hitting the shore.
Happiness isn’t something you can cling to when you’ve lost a loved one, or are facing bankruptcy.
Joy, on the other hand can stay with you for the long haul.
The reason? REAL JOY IS FROM GOD.
For the believer, it is like a bottomless well of water—always an abundant supply.
Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you, God’s joy is there.
Second, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away.
Oh, you might think that it’s gone. That the hands of misfortune have snatched it from you...but it’s not.
As believers, we are promised the constant presence of the Holy Spirit.
We are promised His joy.
Just as our salvation is assured through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice for all.
Third, we need to stop wallowing, whining and complaining and grab onto God’s joy.
Just like salvation is a free and perfect gift from Him, we must reach out and accept that gift.
Grab onto it. Like a lifeline. Choose joy. Over bitterness, anger, and sorrow.
Make a decision to choose joy every day. No matter what.
(2 Corinthians 8:2-3) “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability”..
“Be joyful always”... (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
(Hebrews 12:2)...“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
(2 Corinthians 12:10) "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This topic is very near and dear to my heart because it is a lesson I am learning each day of my life.
I have been into many trials, humiliations and emotional fights, in which I am facing everyday.
Within myself, my friends, my family and my love ones.
But you know what I have discovered?
GOD'S JOY IS REALLY THERE...
You can consider each trial joy, you can greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory even when you feel like you are face-first in the mud puddle.
You can endure whatever circumstances are making you quake in your boots right now.
If you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ...you have all you need.
Indeed, the harder we try to be joyful through our own efforts, the more miserable we can become.
Rest in the Lord's arms and seek His face through prayer and Scripture.
Finally, remember that it is only through God's Holy Spirit that we can find true joy.
We can do nothing apart from the power of God.
(Romans 15:13) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”...AMEN...
REAL JOY IS FROM GOD...
No comments:
Post a Comment