My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2 (NKJV)
Christ in you empowers you to get through the toughest of times.
Each of us are on a journey, and as we walk out our destiny—the paths God has prepared ahead of time for us—we are going to encounter attacks and storms. Jesus warned us about this when he said, “In this world you will have trouble,” but he didn’t leave us there. He also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)!
Some of these storms can be avoided, but others just seem to come out of nowhere. Regardless of how these trials of life come about, it’s up to us to persevere—to keep believing and keep going. Today’s verse reveals how to stay strong; we need to choose to stay joyful when we fall into various trials.
Joy is not a feeling, although when we have joy it will produce feelings. Joy is a choice for the believer, and the Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Psalm 28:7).
If we allow joy to go, we lose stamina. It’s as though we’re on the ground in a fight with no way to defend ourselves. We need to get back up and get hold of our gratitude and joy so we can fight!
Sometimes you might have to dig down deep to find that force of joy that flows inside of you as a believer, but it’s there. It’s not that you’re ignoring the facts or are choosing to ignore your problems. It’s about remembering that God is with you and reminding yourself of his promises.
Tap into the force called joy today and access God’s strength. You’re going to overcome!