Meditations on the Meaning of Christmasنموونە

Can you find joy in adversity? 

Is joy a constant?

It’s quite easy to be joyful in triumph, joyful in comfort, and joyful when the sun is shining. When the skies darken and calamity strikes we are unhappy and it’s ok to grieve, but does joy go out the window as well? If we’re being honest we would agree that we don’t like it when things “go wrong.” We don’t immediately reflect on the knowledge that God has allowed whatever circumstance for His purposes and ultimately for His glory knowing it’s not about us? Are we shaken? Do we spend considerable time outwardly or inwardly spiralling into negative introspection asking “Why is this happening to me?”

“Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” Sam Storms

John MacArthur defined spiritual joy this way…

“The settled conviction that God sovereignly controls the events of life for the believers’ good and His glory. Spiritual joy is not an attitude dependent on chance or circumstance. It is the deep and abiding confidence that regardless of one’s circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord. No matter what difficulty, pain, disappointment, failure, rejection, or other challenge one is facing, genuine joy remains because of that eternal well being established by God’s grace in salvation. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that the fullest, most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It is not based on circumstances or chance, but is the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God.”

“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.” James 1:2-4

Let’s face it, it’s never a good idea to let circumstance be the barometer of our attitude. Our year has been characterized by social turmoil, domestic and urban violence, riots, financial insecurity, fear, a global pandemic, murder hornets and cancelled sports… are you counting it all joy? We may not be happy but we should not be angry either. God is still on His throne and while we blissfully rang in the new year last January He knew what was coming.

When we acknowledge God’s sovereignty we acknowledge His plan rather than ours, that there is a reason behind adversity, and that He is working for His glory and that the world is not all about us. If we don’t really believe God is in control we will constantly question things when they don’t go as planned (by us) or things don’t seem to be going well (as far as we can see).

Reflect

• When I am suffering do I run to or from God’s presence?
• Do I really believe that God is in control?
• Do I live as if I really believe that God is in control?
• When things go wrong and I feel like the floor is falling out from under me do I scramble to hold onto something that makes me feel better or do I stand on God’s promises?

Action Steps

• Don’t let your circumstances control your thoughts or behaviour, joy is not a feeling.
• Spend time with God on a regular basis, read God’s Word and call it to mind throughout your day, stay in prayer. Rejoice in the Lord always.
• Guard your mind, put off evil desires and set your mind on godly desires, listen to worship music, be vigilant in watching out for negative thoughts and negative input.
• Remember God is sovereign over all. Don't let your circumstances govern your mood, thoughts, or emotion.