AgingGracefullee

A Word, A Praise and Hymn of Faith

Though it may seem unbearable to “rejoice” or experience “joy” while going through excruciating physical pain, burdened beyond measure, broken-hearted and distressed, scriptures admonishes us to “rejoice, always.”  What helps is to remember that God is Sovereign and Omnipotent, and that He is ALWAYS in control; then, we can begin to think with the mind of Christ.  Scripture says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)  The only way to receive the mind of Christ is to, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… (Colossians 3:16).  For when we open our heart to His word and commune with Him in prayer, He gives us a joy and peace that has nothing to do with material things.  It doesn’t come from a bottle, a pill or anything from this material world.  The joy of the Lord is a spiritual blessing that comes directly from God.

The joy of the Lord sustains us in the face of difficulties, losses, sufferings and various trials. It is the blessing of love when surrounded by hate; peace amid chaos and distress; hope instead of hopelessness; comfort when sadness and sorrow have gripped our soul and contentment when things are not going as planned.   The joy of the Lord is not equivalent to happiness.  Happiness is conditional, based on material things and favorable conditions/circumstances. 

GOD’S PLAN FOR HIS CHILDREN IS TO KNOW THE JOY OF THE LORD; FOR IT IS OUR STRENGTH AND DECLARTION OF FAITH, DURING GOOD TIMES AND DIFFICULT TIMES.

• “The Joy of the Lord is our Strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
• Therefore, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patients.  But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
• Even when you don’t feel like it, “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
• Be found, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulations, continuing steadfast in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
• God’s promise: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

A Hymn of Faith

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; thought the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls — Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” (Habakkuk 3: 17-19)