With the help of the Holy Spirit, I am usually able to find joy in most situations. For example, I remember a time, years ago, when my work atmosphere carried a dark cloud of tension. So, I decided to do something about it. I went to the local grocery story and bought balloons and a cake and then sent out an email inviting my coworkers to a "Joy Party" in my office. Despite the possibility of being seen as silly, I was desperate to make a difference, and determined to lift the spirits of my colleagues, even if only for a few minutes.
Recently, a dear friend shared with me that a decision I made many years ago before hurt them and they had been holding onto that pain for a long time. I was shocked at first and needed a moment to process their words. When we unintentionally hurt another person, it deeply affects us. I never intended to hurt anyone, and had to fight the urge to be defensive. I immediately said a silent prayer to God asking for His guidance on how to turn this uncomfortable situation around. And the place I go for His guidance, is the Bible. I find comfort when I go to the Bible for answers, and in this particular situation God’s timing was perfect. I read from the Bible App that day and the message was highlighting the book of James: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:2-3). As soon as I read that scripture my soul overflowed with gratitude towards our Heavenly Father. I was facing a trial, and He gently reminded me that although we may face trials and tribulations, turning to Him can bring us joy. With God’s guidance, I apologized to the person I had hurt, sought to mend the relationship by offering healing and successfully repaired our connection. Despite the pain of knowing I hurt someone, I am so thankful for the revelation because it opened the door for forgiveness and healing.
I learned a long time ago that there is a significant difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is temporary, fleeting, and based on external circumstances, while joy is an internal emotion, a deep-seated feeling of contentment and well-being, regardless of the circumstance - because it is rooted in Christ:
When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, with their feet put into stocks, they still managed to have joy and praise God, despite their horrible situation: But about midnight when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them…(Acts 16:25).
And Paul’s reminder to the church that Christ is enough, even in trials: 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 (Romans 5:3 AMP).
And Paul’s encouragement in keeping the faith: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises (Romans 15:13 AMP).
So let us pray to live and be filled with joy, in all circumstances, like those in the Bible:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to turn to you. I pray for everyone reading this to remember when they are faced with trials and challenging times, situations, or circumstances that they will be given the strength to endure and remind them of the joy set before them. Purify their character and recall that the external is fleeting and the internal joy focused on eternity with You is always within their reach. Amen.
May we all continue to grow closer to God.
Your sister in Christ,
Amy
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