10 Days of Unspeakable JoySample

When we think of tests and trials, the last thing we often think of is joy. I mean, who really feels joy when an unexpected phone call or bad news reaches us? The Bible says we can use these things as opportunities for great joy. I’m reminded that where there is great pain, there is room for great joy. Experiencing heartbreak is never joyful, but “our suffering now cannot be compared to the glory He will reveal to us later," and for that, we can be joyful (Romans 8:18, NLT). I am sure Jesus was not feeling joy in the moments leading up to the cross, but it was, “for the joy set before him," He made it (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)! We can have that same hope too! Whenever heartbreak is here, we can look to the joy that we know can come from it. I know this doesn’t make sense to our feelings, but we can take the word of God by faith. Meaning, I may not understand this, but I am going to choose to believe the word of God over what my mind and emotions may be telling me! God will not let your pain win; joy always wins! Your pain will not be wasted but God WILL turn your mourning into joyful dancing (Psalm 30:11 NLT)!

So, smile! Laugh, even when you don’t feel like it, and trust Him. ☺

Side note, this joy devotional was birthed in me on a day where I received news that punched my soul, you could say. I got a phone call that my brother might have to spend years in prison. This was not a good time for me since my other brother had recently passed away the year before. Mind you, I love my family dearly. So, the thought of possibly losing both of my brothers in such a short time span really hurt my heart. However, I stood up and said, “I will choose God in this mess!” So, I pulled out my journal and started writing. This journal entry was the start of my joy devotional! My life is living proof that regardless of how bad a situation may be, God can turn it all around for the good (Genesis 50:20 GNT).

Application time: Where in your life has great pain tried to silence you? Ask God to show you some ways you can turn your pain into a great joy! He will show you, if you just ask!