It's Going to Be Alright (The Art of Grieving): 6 Days Through the Book of JoelSample

When life gets tough, it's easy to feel like you're barely hanging on, isn't it? Grief, loss, and overwhelming challenges can make us feel like we're just surviving. But God offers us more than mere survival; He offers us abundant life and joy, even in the midst of trials.

Think of hope not as something flimsy, but as a great anchor holding a ship steady in rough seas. Jesus is our Anchor, and the Holy Spirit is the Rope connecting us to Him. This Connection is strong and unwavering, providing us with the stability we need when everything around us is shaking.

Joel 2:28 says, "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." This Promise of the Holy Spirit is a source of strength and hope for us. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and fills us with joy, even in the darkest times.

When we say we're "hanging in there," it often means we're just coping, getting by. But Jesus wants more for us. He said in John 15:11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Jesus desires for us to have complete, overflowing Joy, not just to scrape by.

How do we move from merely hanging in there to experiencing this full Joy? Here are some key principles:

1. Truth: The Holy Spirit guides us into all Truth (John 16:13). Even when our circumstances are painful and confusing, God's Word is a solid foundation. We need to trust in God's Promises and not be swayed by our fluctuating feelings.
2. Hope: Biblical Hope is a confident expectation of God's Goodness. Romans 5:5 says, "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit." This Hope anchors our souls, keeping us steady and secure.
3. Enablement: God calls us to do things that are beyond our ability. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome obstacles and accomplish what seems impossible (Zechariah 4:6). We can rely on His Strength, not our own.
4. Remembrance: The Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance the Truths of God's Word (John 14:26). When we're struggling, He reminds us of God's Faithfulness and His Promises, giving us the encouragement we need to keep going.
5. Encouragement: The Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 15:26). In times of grief and pain, He provides the comfort and strength we need to persevere. He whispers to our hearts that we are loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father.

So, when you feel like you're just hanging in there, remember that you're not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, connecting you to Jesus, your Anchor. He provides you with truth, hope, enablement, remembrance, and encouragement. Trust in Him, and you will find the strength to not only survive but to thrive with Joy and Purpose.