Writing Saturday: J is for Joy
1:00 AM
Joy in the midst of
pain. It seems like those words were spoken by a crazy person locked up in a
mental institution. However, I think it is because we misunderstand the word joy.
Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult
as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your
faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure.
And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long
journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing.
James
1:2 The Voice
I think this verse shows what joy really is. It isn’t a
happy feeling inside. It is more of contentment in knowing that these things,
though hard will not destroy you. It is the inner knowledge that God will never
abandon you even in the worst of times.
In Adventures and Adversities, Alditha is struggling to find
joy in the midst of her pain. She wants to be happy and smile even when life
gives her hardship. However, that is much easier said than done.
Tacking this concept was timely for me. I was struggling
with many of the same things that Alditha does in her book. Will she learn what
I have? That either you choose joy, or you will be eaten alive my bitterness? I
guess you will have to read the book to find out.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
1 comments
Wow Sarah. I can hardly wait for this one! **excitement** ---Beautiful post!!!
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