Christian Struggles: How to overcome (Part four)
Finding Joy in the Struggles
Joy can feel elusive when we face struggles, but as Christians, we are called to rejoice even in the midst of trials. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine—it means finding hope and gratitude amid difficulty.
Embracing joy during tough times often requires a shift in perspective. We recognize the blessings that still exist, no matter how small they may seem. Actually naming them might help. The old hymn, “Count Your Blessings” is spot-on. But how many of us do it? And we don’t have to use personal ones. There are lots of general blessings we all share.
Blessings In Survival Mode
If we live in America, that’s a blessing. Do you own a car? That’s a blessing. If you have a home, another blessing. If you have food to eat today, a real blessing.
But what if you don’t? What if every day is survival mode? And for much of the world, it is.
Where is the blessing in Gaza, the Ukraine, the Congo? I don’t know. But I’ve read enough stories to know that people in dire circumstances often find things in their lives to feel blessed about. Why is that?
Haven’t you ever noticed that it is often people who are wondering where their next meal is coming from (or even if it is) who seem to be more grateful? And would you agree it’s harder to remember our most basic blessings, like water, food, and shelter, when you have an abundance? That’s what Jesus meant that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle than it is for a rich man to enter heaven.
Is It Wrong To Be wealthy?
God doesn’t have anything against wealth. Lots of the patriarchs were very wealthy. There were wealthy people in the New Testament. Jesus didn’t tell the rich young ruler to sell all he had because it was wrong for him to be rich, but because he had his priorities in the wrong place. Jesus’ message was the same for the rich and the poor. The poor are no more “spiritual” than the “rich”.
It’s a heart matter, not a bank account matter.
So for those who have a lot, it’s extremely important to remind ourselves of the basic ones everyday, food, shelter, and clothing.
Joy comes in the morning.
Sometimes we simply can’t conjure up a grateful heart. The pain is so deep, fresh, and raw. But that’s when we remember that “joy comes in the morning”. It might not be the very next morning. That’s not what that verse means. It means that one day joy will return. When my mom died, I certainly didn’t feel joy the next morning. Waiting for my husband to come through open-heart surgery, I didn’t feel joy in the process. It’s foolish to think anyone can do that.
Too many Christians try to feel something just because they think they should. What increases our faith is admitting our pain and trusting God because he is with us as we journey through the “shadow of the valley of death” (Psalm 23:4).
Joy is more than a fleeting feeling.
It’s essential to understand that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion. It is a profound state of being that can coexist with sorrow. During moments of adversity, reflecting on our faith can help illuminate the path forward. Our faith reminds us that we are not alone.
Furthermore, actively seeking out acts of kindness and service can cultivate a deeper sense of joy and purpose. This transcends our immediate circumstances, ultimately enriching our lives and those around us.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Real-Life Reflection: Emily struggled with chronic illness for years, and it often felt like her joy was stolen. But she began to keep a gratitude journal, writing down small blessings each day. Over time, she noticed her perspective shifting. Joy didn’t come from her circumstances changing—it came from seeing God’s faithfulness in the little things. The more she journaled, the better she felt. Her illness didn’t miraculously disappear, but her joy returned.
Devotional Questions:
- How can you find joy amid trials? (Your joy may look different than someone else’s.)
- What are some small blessings you can be grateful for today?
- How does gratitude help us see God’s faithfulness?
God bless, and have a great day.
Discover more from goodthoughtsgoodlives
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
