Is there anything joyful about what we are experiencing right now through COVID-19? Or maybe there is something other than the pandemic touching your life. No matter where you find yourself, there are days you’ll need to choose and find joy in your circumstances. It is what you and I do in those circumstances that determine our attitude and the direction we take.
In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many believed the Way, but when the Jews saw the popularity of Paul’s message, they became jealous and drove them out of their district. Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust of their feet and moved on. And this is what’s said of them, they were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).
Really? Filled with joy?
How did they find joy in their journey when they were being persecuted?
How do you and I find joy in our journeys when faced with less than desirable circumstances?
It’s a choice! A daily choice only you can choose.
3 steps to experience joy during difficult times:
- Embrace the test
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3
The meaning behind the word testing is compared to a silversmith’s process when refining silver. The silversmith would heat up the silver until the impurities rise to the top—the unclean and unwanted substances. From there, he would scoop them away and repeat the process until he could see his reflection in the silver. Then, he knew the refining process was complete. This is the similar process God uses with us. God is the Silversmith and we are the silver. He continues to refine us until He sees His reflection in us. So, embrace the testing you are experiencing and remember God knows the end result of what it will take to make you more like Him.
Oh, that you and I would come out of this time refined with a stronger faith, a purer heart and a better representation of Christ.
2. Remember your life is hidden with Christ in God
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
God’s desire is a total oneness with Him. In Jeremiah 45:5, Jeremiah told Baruch, his scribe, don’t seek great things for yourself, God has given you the best gift you could ask for—Your life. Yes, your life is a gift! Treasure it. You are chosen, blessed, blameless, and redeemed.
3.Watch for small opportunities of gratitude.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Gratitude is a word used to express thankfulness and praise. A general attitude of thanksgiving in both the trials and blessings of life characterizes the Christian. The apostle Paul exhorts us in Scripture to give thanks for all things, in all circumstances (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18), even in suffering (James 1:1-4).
Choose to experience the blessing of gratitude.
Choose to find beauty in small moments of joy.
Choose to live life in the present and not the future.
Choose today to make a difference in someone’s day.
Each day is a gift. So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Journeying with Him,
Jessie