Joy In Our Trials by Kerri White
It can be very difficult to rejoice when we find ourselves in the midst of trials, feeling low, or facing difficult circumstances. During these times, we can become overwhelmed by sorrow, doubt, fear, and helplessness. It is hard to find joy and be grateful when our heart feels so heavy. But it is in the midst of those moments that we have to dig deep within our hearts, beyond our current circumstances, and remember that no matter what we are going through, God is with us.
As children of God we are not living for this lifetime, we are promised something far greater than what this world has to offer. Trials and difficult times are the stepping stones to our greater reward. Everything else, the noise and distractions of the world are what we encounter in our path that leads us to the kingdom of God and the ultimate gift of eternal life.
The news and all negativity around is can drag us down. But these are only temporary. In Revelation 21:4 we read, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” This is what we have to keep our focus on, that there is coming a time when God will wipe away all the tears and remove all the pain.
In the book of James we read:
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)
It is hard for us to understand how we are to “count it all joy” in the midst of a trial. But God uses the trials and circumstances we go through to build our faith, character, and fruits of the Spirit. We learn endurance and patience. We learn to keep our eyes on God and what lies ahead instead of our current situation. Even though we do not understand why we are going through something, we can trust God that when He says, “…all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
We know how everything ends and that what we are going through will pale in comparison to what God has for us in the future.
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said [a]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It[b] is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. (Revelation 21:5-6)
The Sabbath and Holy Days provide us times to step away from our troubles and focus on God and experience His peace. John wrote:
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
The peace that comes from God transcends our understanding and can help us in our most dire circumstances.
Finding joy in our trials can be very difficult. A trial brings pain, loss, sorrow, and tears. Scripture tells us that joy doesn’t come from the circumstances we are in. Satan comes to steal our joy and leads us to negative thinking.
Our true joy comes from our connection with God and trusting in His presence in our lives. Every day is a gift from God, even the difficult days. God has a plan for each of our lives and we can’t always see how things will work for our good. We are called to trust God in all situations and all seasons of our life. Leaning into God and trusting Him in difficult times, and trusting that God’s will be done in all situations.
Each time we go through trials we are growing. Some trials are short and some last a long time. God knows the reasons and how it plays into his purpose.
Prov. 17:22 — A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones
Phil 4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Psalm 118:24 — This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Rom 15:13 — Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Gratitude and joy go together. Taking time to be grateful helps us to focus on even the small things we have to be thankful for.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The trials and hardships we face in this lifetime are temporary. It is in the midst of the trials that we show our courage, faith and belief in God.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
As we go through life and face the trials that come, hold fast to God’s promises, seek His peace and strength to endure, and look ahead to the glory that awaits us in His Eternal Family.
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Lee
THANK YOU Kerri!! I found this to be VERY encouraging as well as helpful!!