FINDING JOY WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL JOYFUL
By Carolyn Dale Newell
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire,
May be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
1 Peter 1:6-7NKJV
These verses tell us a lot about trouble, but they also tell us how we can greatly rejoice – be exceedingly joyful – in spite of trouble. We need to understand what joy is. Joy is not based on circumstances, but it is based on a deep relationship with God. The words, “In this” refer to the preceding verses which describe our eternal inheritance.
We often take our inheritance for granted. We are so caught up in today that we cannot put our eyes on our future in heaven. We can choose to focus on the trial at hand or we can look toward God and our future glory.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2).
Everything in this world can betray us, and we can lose it, but our inheritance is eternal, secured by the blood of Christ.
What can we learn about trouble? It is temporary – “for a little while.” It is necessary. God will allow trouble when it is needed for many purposes such as: weaning us from the world, or preparing us to help others. Peter tells us that troubles will grieve us and they come in many different forms.
Finally, trouble will prove that our faith is genuine. After we come through trials, and we can look back and see the hand of God in them, we will have no doubts concerning our faith. That in itself is a reason for joy. Faith is a precious commodity –“more precious than gold”.
What trouble are you dealing with today? Look toward heaven. Don’t allow trouble to steal your joy.
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me from an eternity in hell. Right now, trouble has grieved me and I need to feel Your joy. I need to feel Your comfort and grace. In Jesus name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Pet. 1:3-9.
HIKING THE TRAIL
What hinders your joy? How can you remind yourself to stay focused on Christ instead of troubles?
You may also like: “Guarding Our Joy”
https://amountainoffaith.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/guarding-our-joy
Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 