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Saturday, 29 June 2024

Finding Joy in Every Season

Key Scripture: James 1:2-4"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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and compl…
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Finding Joy in Every Season

By Elizabeth Brooks on June 29, 2024

Key Scripture: James 1:2-4
"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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Life is a mix of sunshine and storms. There are days when everything seems perfect, and then there are days when it feels like everything is falling apart. It's easy to find joy when things are going your way, but what about the tough times? Can you still find joy when the going gets tough?

Joy Through the Storms:

Imagine Joy as a person. She's had her share of breakdowns, moments of anger, sadness, and even times when she lost hope. But somehow, she always manages to find her way back to joy. Why? Because Joy understands something crucial – that true joy isn't just about feeling happy when things are good; it's about finding peace and contentment, regardless of what's happening around you.

The Bible tells us to "Consider it pure joy" when we face trials. That might sound strange or even impossible at first. How can we feel joy when we're struggling? But the key here is understanding that joy comes from knowing that these challenges are growing your faith and character, making you complete in God's eyes.

Embracing All Emotions:

It's important to recognize that being joyful doesn't mean we ignore our other emotions. Just like Joy, we can thank our other emotions for what they teach us:

  • Envy reminds us to keep growing.
  • Disgust helps us establish our boundaries.
  • Anger encourages us not to bottle up our feelings.
  • Embarrassment keeps us humble.
  • Sadness accompanies us through tough times.
  • Ennui (boredom) allows us to rest and recharge.
  • Nostalgia teaches us the importance of being present.
  • Fear keeps us safe.
  • Anxiety… well, it keeps us on our toes!

Each emotion plays a role in our lives, shaping us into who we are meant to be.

Choosing Joy:

Choosing joy means looking beyond our circumstances and trusting that God is with us through it all. It's a decision to focus on God's faithfulness and love, even when things don't make sense.

Just like choosing to be joyful can seem like a daunting task, especially when you're in the midst of trials, remember that it gets easier as you build your faith. With each challenge you overcome, you'll find it a little easier to choose joy the next time.

Reflection:

  • What situation in your life is making it hard for you to choose joy?
  • How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and love during tough times?
  • Think of one way you can choose joy today, even in a small thing. Prayer:
    Dear God, thank You for being with me through all seasons of my life. Help me to find joy, not just in the good times, but also in the challenges. Teach me to trust in Your plan for me and to find peace in Your presence, no matter what I'm facing. Amen.

Choosing joy isn't denying reality—it's embracing the fullness of life, trusting in God's plan, and finding peace that surpasses understanding. Teens, as you navigate through life's ups and downs, remember that joy is always within reach, even when it doesn't feel like it. Let joy lead the way.

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