Joy
Everything is working out for my good. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
~ Romans 8:28 NLT
I did not always believe this to be so. For so long, I would read such scriptures and then look at my life and question God for the trials and tribulations that He allowed me to go through. Such trials and tribulations did not feel good; from the friends that turned out to be enemies, the failed relationships, and trials and turmoil throughout my career despite my quick advancement and success. I just never understood it, for I had believed for so long that life would look different for me as a believer. However, as I have matured in my faith, God has made it plain to me that I too will face trials and tribulations just as Jesus did and every other believer in the Bible. Thankfully, as children of God we do not have to be afraid for when such trials and tribulations come forth, for God says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
I do want to admit, that it will not feel good when you have to endure hardships on your journey as a believer and I want to extend grace to you-please give yourself grace as you overcome the valleys. Just do not get stuck there and forget the God that you serve who will not give you more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Know that, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).
Do not forget that God is still a good God, today and tomorrow, despite what you are currently facing. See, I did not always believe this. I spent the last three years angry at God for what He allowed me to go through, instead of choosing to be at peace and in joy daily. It is important that our heart posture be checked daily, for joy is a fruit of the Spirit, thus it is given to us freely (Galatians 5:22-23). Why then, did I choose to spend the last few years in frustration, anger, and bitterness? Well, because going through trials and tribulations are far from easy and it is okay to be human, and feel all of the emotions associated with such pain. Just don’t allow yourself to remain stuck there, for God calls us to stability and balance in all things, including our emotions; “But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” (Ephesians 4:26-32 TPT). Further God gives us clear instructions regarding the matters of our hearts, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NKJV). Thus, I encourage you to choose joy in and out of every season as Apostle Paul preached, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV). I am currently being tested with this, for there are many trials that I am facing today, and instead of doing what I have done in the past, which was either attempt to escape the test prematurely, grumble through it, and or grow bitter at God…I am choosing to remain steadfast, trusting in God’s perfect will and plans for my life, knowing that I can count it all good (Jeremiah 29:11; James 1:2-4).
I am excited to share with you more, once I am on the other side of the mountain but for now, I share encouragement as I myself am going through various trails and tribulations. I send love your way and know that God will carry you through whatever you are going through, for He promises it:
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” ~1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 NKJV
Song Recommendations
Another Blessing by Jor’dan Armstrong
Some of the Lyrics: “On the other side of this is a blessing…on the other side of this is a blessing…yeahhh! Tell me why I am stressing because on the other side of this is a blessing…”
Scriptures
Romans 5:1-5 NIV
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
John 15:11 NIV
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Psalm 16:11 NIV
“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.”
