As Christians living on this side of heaven, we will all struggle with something until the Lord calls us home.
Whether it’s a sinful habit that’s hard to kick – or a thorn in your side that may keep you humble – yet still inflict pain – the brokenness of this world leaves us longing for the day when Jesus will make all things right.
But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your joy as you navigate life, so here are a few ways to maintain your joy – even when it hurts.
Earth is Not Our Home
We know the stories.
Paul was able to rejoice in the Lord even while he suffered in prison.
Martyrs of the faith were able to sing songs of praise up until the moment they were beheaded or burned alive.
But how?
They knew earth was not their home.
By keeping an eternal perspective –- and knowing that everything in this life is momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us – we too can remain faithful and persevere until the end.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
Transformation
Each time a crisis or trial comes our way – we have an opportunity to let it make us holy or bitter.
If we choose the path of holiness – we can remain confident that we are being sanctified and purified to become even more like Jesus.
When things are going great, many of us “forget” just how much we need God.
But all it takes is a crisis to remind us how desperate (and helpless) we truly are – and just how much we need God’s intervention.
So by turning to God and obeying Him and letting Him continue His work in you – you can find internal joy – even though the external world is burning around you.
Trust God
We may not know “why” something is happening, but each trial we endure is a chance to trust God and remember His promises.
All throughout Scripture, God tells the story of His faithfulness to His people throughout the generations.
When things seemed impossible – God intervened.
Whether it was parting the Red Sea or feeding a crowd with just a few loaves of bread and some fish, God has demonstrated He is able.
Sometimes we can read the Bible and think it only applied to back “then” and not now.
But the God of Abraham is still the same God of today.
By learning to trust God and that He will work all things out for good – even if you don’t know how – you can keep your joy.
Stay Humble
Pride really does come before a fall.
You can have all the riches in the world – but they can be swept away in an instant.
Everything you have is a gift from God and by keeping this in perspective, you can remain humble and experience the joy – not only in the blessings that God gives you – but in who He is.
The world may be able to cause us harm – but as a Christian – you have the power in Jesus to remain joyful in any and every circumstance – and what a testimony that is to a dying world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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