Inspired by . . . Day 2: Adversity
This post is part of a 31 day series on JOY
You may access all the past days by clicking here.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on
the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt 5:44-45
Some people think that because they’re a Christian or because they’re a good person that they should be prosperous and healthy, enjoying a life of blessing. But the blessings of God come from His hand of Grace. They are not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. “. . . for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
If we base God’s love for us, our happiness and our worth on the blessings that we receive then we’re believing a lie.
Oswald Chambers says, “There is a difference between environment and circumstances. We each make our own environment, our personality does it for us.” You might insert the word “attitude” for “personality” here. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can always control our response and our attitude.
Remember, happiness depends on things that happen. But JOY is not affected by external conditions.
Take some time to consider how you’re affected by adversity. If you’re only JOYful when things are going well, or going your way then you may be confusing happiness with JOYfulness. An honest look at ourselves during times of adversity can tell us a lot about our true character, and show us where we need to change.
The Bible doesn’t promise happiness or a life free of trials.
But the Bible does have a lot to say about JOY, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on for the next 30 days!
Blessings,
Quotations taken from God’s Workmanship and The Shadow of an Agony, © Discovery House Publishers
#write31days
Sharing inspiration here:
A special insight. I'm totally amazed.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Good post! A lot of people think that when trouble comes it must be because they did something wrong, but often not why. Trouble comes to everyone, but God sees us through and gives us joy! As Betsy ten Boom said, "There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still."
ReplyDeleteLovely post and photos ~ all very creative ~ ' Joy and Sorrow' all part of one 'coin' ~ enjoy ~ blessings,
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Hi June! First of all, let me commend you on blogging every day. Yikes, that thought scares me to death!
ReplyDeleteJoy is such a great topic to think about, and to visit daily. I know there are several things in my life that are truly trying to steal my joy, and I have to be very present so that doesn't happen.
It's a great idea to sit back and think about how I react to adversity. The short answer is 'not very well'. It takes me a while to get my ship upright after a storm. May God continue to give me his grace to keep his joy front and center in my soul. I look forward to more posts on your topic, it's a good one.
Blessings!
Ceil
Joy ... we can't drum up this fruit of the Spirit on our own. But we can invite Him to be alive and active in our every breath.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, how much deeper and richer than happiness which can so easily fade away ...
Thanks, June.
Beautiful sentiments. We can find joy in the simplest things. Just before he passed away my Dad said how much he liked seeing the sky and clouds through the window near his hospital bed.
ReplyDeleteJoy even in adversity - that's one which really can only come from God! What a great way He helps us through those storms of life.
ReplyDelete