The discouragements we experience in life often drag us down spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. They say that “trouble comes in threes” and that “when it rains it pours” because we are usually just coming out of a trial, currently experiencing adversity, or about to go into some form of tribulation.
Many people attempt to use medication or herbs to combat this depression. Our body may not produce enough of certain elements we need to be able to focus on positives in our life. Therapists recommend that we get “outside of our head,” to eat whole foods, to get enough sleep and exercise, and to surround our self with positive people.
These are all good aids; however, real deeply seeded joy is rooted in who God is and not in our circumstances, habits, or people. His joy does not fluctuate, because it is founded on God’s nature, character, Spirit, and Word. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is our joy and our solid rock.
God’s Word advises us to consider it pure joy when we face life’s many trials, because they produce in us patience, endurance, and perseverance (James 1:2-3). Rather than resisting the discouraging circumstances, we change our focus to one of trusting in God and embracing the issues – regardless of how debilitating they are.
Our God of hope fills us with His joy and peace as we love Him with our whole heart and put our trust in Him alone. This allows the power of God’s Spirit to abound in us (Romans 15:13). Cultivating gratitude for God’s continual love and blessings in our life allows us to delight our self in Him as He puts His desires in our heart (Psalm 37:4).
Prayer:
Father God, we know without a doubt that life’s issues are perfecting us and giving us opportunities to watch You rescue us from them, or to rely on Your presence as You walk with us through the valley (Psalm 23:4-6, 47:1; Isaiah 9:3). Teach us to carry on our life as normally as is possible, or to develop new habits to successfully transition to this new way of living (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
Remind us that if we trust and hope in You and not in positive circumstances, we know without a doubt that You will give us Your joy (Proverbs 10:28). Even though we have not seen You, we love You, trust You, rely on You, and believe in You. You fill us with inexpressible and glorious joy because we see Your workings in our life that produce our faith in Your salvation and in the power of Your Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:8-9; Romans 15:13).
Thoughts for the Day:
There is incredible rejoicing in heaven every time one sinner repents (Luke 15:7). God’s joy is our strength to overcome grief and depression in times of physical and emotional distress (Nehemiah 8:10). At times we feel like shouting out loud and singing for joy because God is so great in His care and blessings for us (Isaiah 12:6).
