It’s been a while…
Things have been happening in my life. Lots of things. I told some friends I felt like they could use my life as the basis of a TV drama. I have enough plots and subplots going to provide hours of interesting viewing. It’s been a hard week.
But I am convicted by my Bible study this week. It was all about joy. You know what I’m talking about. Those pesky verses in James that say, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Listen to them in The Message: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, our faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
As I was pondering a big blow yesterday I thought, “What’s it supposed to look like when a Christian goes through what I’m going through?” Today I remembered the answer: It’s supposed to look like pure joy.
Well, in this I have failed miserably for the past week.
Forgive me.
Today my Bible study questions said that if we are to be deliberate in our pursuit of joy, we need to identify the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. So here goes:
1. I am thankful for the good days I have had with my daughter this week. They have been better days than we have had together for a long time. They give me hope.
2. I am blessed to feel so loved by my husband. He has made his care and concern most evident. I know he will do anything he can to help me through all this.
3. The love and concern I have had from so many friends and relatives has been a tremendous blessing. Thanks to all of you!
4. I am excited about my future, even though I’m not sure what it holds.
5. Finally, I am so thankful for the truth of the Word. Staying in the Word and teaching it on Sundays and Wednesdays has helped bring stability to the chaos I feel. It has convicted me and given me great hope.
Let me end with the verses that really got me today…I Thes. 5:16-18.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Working to make these my reality for the coming week.
