I am going to type out a reflection that I read from a devotions book last night, which I hadn't really touched since I bought it from Koorong months ago. The book is called "Peace for a Woman's Soul". I'm not entirely sure why, because it doesn't seem to specifically address women. I'm sure a guy could read it and get just as much out of it. I recommend you do read it (even if you are a guy =]), 'cause so far, the few pages of it I have read have been great.
Anyway, here it is:
Joy is not only an emotion to be desired, it is also a command to be obeyed. Joy is - to some degree - a choice. How can this be? Are you to simply ignore your circumstances and live outside of reality? No, but a life of joy can be learned - and suffering is most often the teacher.
The Scriptures clearly point out the path toward a life of joy: accept your circumstances and be thankful in them, choose not to worry, fix your eyes on jesus rather than on your situation - follow his example in suffering - and put your hope in future glory. It is through the joy and peace exhibited in suffering that God is most visible in your life. When you live a life of joy - regardless of your circumstances - others will see Jesus in you.
Whatever your current circumstances, God longs to comfort you, heal you and give you his peace, joy and hope. Take your needs to him in prayer. Lay all your hurts and worries before him. Ask him to help you accept your circumstances, fix your eyes on Jesus and live life in joy and peace.
I found this book and this particular message at the right time, or rather it found me at the right time. Through it, God pretty much directly answered questions and doubts I had concerning the topic of joy. I have grappled with this certain topic for quite some time now, and have slowly grasped certain aspects of it. However, each time I read over that reflection, it amazes me more and more how directly related it was to the aspects I was still having trouble understanding. It is amazing how perfect God's timing is and the various ways he speaks to us.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" - Proverbs 3:5-6
P.S. The title is an old Padstow Sunday School song that I haven't remembered in years, but just suddenly came to me when I was thinking of what to name this =] Good old Padstow days!
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