God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downনমুনা

Consider It All Joy

After Hurricane Katrina, one woman who had lost everything she had in the floodwaters in New Orleans had this to say: “I may have lost everything I had, but I will never lose faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My children lost their homes, and I don’t know where they will all go, but they all made it safely out of the storm, and for that, I am so grateful. Everything’s going to be alright.” She said this with such strength and hope, and with a smile on her face the entire time. Was she happy? Not exactly. What she was experiencing was not happiness, but joy.

Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent on circumstances. Instead, it is a deep-down quality that is present whether a person’s circumstances are good or bad. Since joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it lives within the spirit of every Christian (see Galatians 5:22). This joy is our strength in difficult times. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” We can experience joy knowing that God has already given us the victory (see 1 Corinthians 15:57).

In addition, the Bible tells us that difficulties help us grow in patience and endurance, and make us strong in character. They draw us closer to the Father, causing us to be dependent on Him—the One who works through our difficulties to accomplish great things in our lives. That’s why you can “count it all joy” even in the face of tragedy. Trust His plan, stretch your faith, and let your heart be joyful with anticipation as you allow His purpose to be fulfilled in and through you.

Taking back your life

1. Look again at Nehemiah 8:10. How can the joy that comes from God give you strength during difficult times?
2. Pray and ask God to help you “count it all joy” as you go through this trial and allow Him to accomplish His perfect work in your life through it all.
3. Watch in joyful anticipation as you observe how you grow and mature through this trial. Remember to keep the end in sight, knowing that the result will be for your good and God’s glory. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Be sure to thank God for all the victories that come out of your suffering and to share those praise reports, as they occur, with your family members and others.