Biblical joy is found when we focus on our God, which needs to be a daily choice we make no matter what season we find ourselves in. We must learn what the Bible says about God, who he is, and His promises. We must learn to do the next thing and persevere even when life is hard. I love how it is worded at gotquestions.org: "James tells us in chapter 1 that the Christian who perseveres in godliness and the spiritual disciplines will be blessed in the very act of persevering. The more we persevere in the Christian life, the more God grants His blessings upon us, thereby enabling us to continue to persevere. The psalmist reminds us that there is great reward in persevering in the Christian life. In keeping God's commandments, there is "great reward" for our souls (psalm 19:11), peace of mind, a clear conscience, and a witness to the world more eloquent than many words."
Biblical joy is not something that comes and goes; our circumstances do not dictate it. Biblical joy is something that exists even when we are suffering or going through a heavy trial because it is based on the knowledge that God is present, walking with us in our trials, producing good fruit in us as we go through the hardship, and will use it as a platform for him to be seen by others.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1)
Life is good — but life is hard. We are in a battle with the enemy of our souls!
Let this be a challenge and guide for you over the course of fifteen days as you seek true joy rooted in God!
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