Finding Joy

Life can be challenging at times.  We want to have joy but it seems to be fleeting.  We have joy in how some problems work themselves out but then we are faced with lots of unfamiliar challenges that bring out our insecurities.

People around us are encouraging us but we feel vulnerable.   Thankfully, God has promised to be with us through it all and to help us find joy.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4

The transition from living for self-fulfillment to living life for the glory of God is a testing of our will.  Is there truly joy in walking in the ways of God?  God’s Word promises us exactly that.

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.  You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 16:1; 11

God called us out of the darkness we were in and invited us to walk in the light of His presence.  Like any child learning to walk we may stumble as we move forward but, like any good Father, God will hold tightly to our hand and support us.  God rejoices with us when we walk steadily forward and will gently lift us up when we stumble and fall.  God is always calling us to fullness of joy and His presence is ever with us. 

How happy are the people who know the sound of joy! They walk in the light of Your face, O Lord. They are full of joy in Your name all day long. And by being right with You, they are honored.

Psalm 89:15-16

 Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing joy into our lives and Your promise to bring even more as You show us the path of life and walk that path with us.  As we become more and more conscious of Your presence with us, we experience more and more joy.

Help me to resist the devil who wants to steal, kill, and destroy the life you have given us.  Help us to hold tightly to your hand and live in the love, joy and peace that You give, even in challenging times. Amen

There’s great joy to be found in this day regardless of what we face.  Let’s get out there and find it and live in it fully.