Learning joy in times of affliction does not mean being happy. It is learning to count the affliction as joy because of the benefits it will give.
James 1 KJV 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Our Hearts Yearn For God During Affliction
During times of trouble our hearts yearn for God. The more intense the trouble, the deeper the desire to diligently seek the Lord with all our heart should become. We now need to be carried and pulled through the affliction and the realization comes that only the Lord is able to do this. I can’t imagine life without Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
In the darkest moment of my affliction I ask the Lord to take my life. I meant one thing but God knew the truth which was choose myself or give all of me to Him. I am writing this to tell you, His truth always prevails.
God Answers Prayers Through Obedience
God answered my prayer being faithful to His word.
2 Timothy 2:13 KJV If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself
Exodus 20:3, 23:13 Deuteronomy 5:7, 6:14, 11:16, …many more.
God says we are to have no other gods before Him and I was putting my situation ahead of God. The Holy Spirit revealed truth to me, I repented, and Jesus Christ freed me.
I have not nor will I forget the day God graciously protected me from myself. I did not deserve His grace, mercy, or protection. God’s hand guided me when I was rebelling. He poured out His grace on me when I was acting ugly and loved me though I was unlovable. He met all my needs especially the ones I did not know about and He did this for me freely. Meaning I did not and do not even now deserve what God has given me.
Finding Joy In The Word Of God
Psalms is a great place to begin reading while going through affliction.
Psalm 78:7, 103:2, 119:16, 119:93, 119:153
Proverbs 4:5 KJV Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
I pray I never forget what the Lord has done for me and has given me. I pray for more and more growth in the Lord upon my life.
Joy in times of tribulation is not being happy, it is expecting God to bring us closer to Himself. To God be all the honor and glory for what He has done, is doing, and will do.
Luke 24 KJV 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Jesus came to die for our sins! Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you know who you are in Jesus? Have you accepted Jesus?
Learn what is faith part 1 and what is faith part 2.
Who is “The Good Shepard” read this bible study to find out.
