I perceive life as an extenuating series of unknowns that are thrown at a person to challenge, provoke thought, excite, demand change, and to ultimately surprise us.
Everyone has endured different experiences in their lives, and we all have stories to tell. Each one being ever so important to God.
Some experiences have been challenging and thought-provoking, prompting a new way of thinking, a desire to overcome something, or to reflect on life in a positive light and venture into new ways of doing things.
Others have been difficult and discouraging, and the yearning for something positive to occur seems like a distant memory.
I, for one, have dealt with my own experiences that have been both positive and negative. Nevertheless, each one has been challenging and thought-provoking, which has inspired my next steps in life.
Support
During these times, I found it an utmost priority to surround myself with people who I could count on for support, prayer, and encouragement to keep me going.
Every day I would present my challenges to God and ask Him to guide my steps, open opportunities, to reveal new ideas and challenges to me, and help me grow.
It was a blessing to be surrounded by my family during this time and to have constant support and prayer, and my heart truly goes out to anyone who has felt alone during these difficult times.
However, although I had prayer and support from the people closest to me, it was ultimately up to me to decide to find joy in the situations that life presented me.
Finding the joy
My childhood was a fun one, but I cannot count the number of times my dad had to remind me to “be joyful” and to “show the joy of the Lord in everything that you do”.
As a child, more often than not, everything seems to blow out of proportion and suddenly dropping your lollipop on the ground or having a toy confiscated off you seemed like the end of the world and worthy of an unjoyful temper tantrum.
As an adult, temper tantrums are not attractive, so sometimes the best way we think to deal with things is to bottle them up and let it consume us.
I admit, I have had moments in my life where I’ve seemed to develop an overwhelming sense of despair when dealing with uncertain and uncontrollable situations.
The more I focus on the positive and keep reminding myself to seek the joy and the hope of the Lord, the more capable I feel of overcoming my situation.
James chapter one verses two to four says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
If I hold onto the despair instead of giving it to God, I am discouraging myself and letting the mould of the situation grow, ultimately preventing myself from filling my mind and heart with joy and hope.
Romans chapter 15 verse 13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
The joy of the Lord
Finding the joy in certain situations may seem close to impossible, but finding the joy, even in the seemingly impossible, is where we have power.
God tells us in Proverbs chapter 17 verse 22 that, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse is telling us that when we choose to be joyful, it heals us—our hearts. When we do not choose to be joyful, we are choosing to live in despair, and despair is not from God.
We must take refuge in God when we face situations that feel unbearable, because God is the giver of joy and peace, and He is the great comforter.
Psalm chapter five verse 11 says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.”
Two Corinthians chapter one verses three and four says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
How wonderful is it that the Great Comforter and the Creator of the universe cares for us so much that He is compassionate towards us in every situation we face?
I constantly feel so humbled and blessed to know that whatever the day brings, if I seek refuge in Him, rejoice in Him, and always choose joy despite how despairing my situation feels, God will help me overcome my situation every time.
I encourage you to seek refuge in God and to find the joy of the Lord in everything you do. Even though the road may be tough, God will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Tomorrow is a new day. Live it joyfully.
Psalm chapter 118 verse 24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”