Finding Joy by Valerie Hansen
Life can be surprising, frustrating, and sometimes scary. Things happen over which we have zero control. I don't know about you, but I tend to try to tell God what to do. Guess what? That never works!
When I'm crafting a book I get to bring happiness to my characters but in real life it's not that easy, particularly when someone is experiencing a personal tragedy. Ah, but that's where Paul's writing comes in. He had it figured out and thankfully shared his thoughts in more than one of his letters. A favorite of mine is II Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 4. Paraphrasing: Blessed be God, the God of all comfort, Who helps us in our time of trouble so that we are able to comfort and help those who are experiencing similar troubles.
So, who am I suited to help? Those who are going through difficulties like those I have already been through. He goes on to say that he doesn't want to be a downer, he just wants them to understand how hard it has been for him and to continue to pray for him. AND THAT HE KEPT THE FAITH AND HAD JOY DESPITE DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Hard? You betcha. Impossible? Not with Jesus on our side. I think the secret is remembering that happiness is not the same thing as joy. Happiness is dependent upon circumstances. Joy is from the Lord and remains with us despite loss and tribulation. You can't fake it but you can take it. When you are ready. It is freely given to all believers. The joy of the Lord will always be with you whether you can feel it or not, whether you acknowledge it or not.
So, why is this post so serious when I'm usually joking half the time? I don't know, other than to say that I was moved to write it. I could go back, redo it and make it light-hearted but I'm not going to. There is a reason for this and it stays, even if I don't know why I was inspired to do it this way.
May God be with you all - and may you know He is there, ready to bring Joy in the midst of the storms.
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Lovely, Valerie, and so true. There is a difference between joy and happiness. I often use "peace" as a way to gauge my Christian journey. When I have peace, then I believe I'm doing what God wills for my life. When that peace changes to strife and struggle, something is out of alignment.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Valerie. We all need reminders that He is always there for us, no matter what. Thanks for sharing the difference between Joy and Happiness. I'd never thought of it before in that way. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, Valerie. I love that no matter what we're going through we can have God's joy with us. So inspiring. I love that we're never alone.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Val!!!
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