Can we enjoy life—even when things are falling apart all around us? What does God say in the
Bible about where our focus should be? He wants us to take pleasure in living, not concentrate on
our trials and troubles. It’s true that we are in this world and subject to its problems. So, what do we do
when life takes over with failing health, financial losses, troubled relationships, etc.? Jesus said this: “
have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)
I was fortunate because I grew up in a very social family who promoted
fun. But, that didn’t make us immune to trials. Oh, no! When I was 8 years
old, a debilitating illness left me with a lifetime of physical limitations and
serious health issues. (See my testimony, “Glimpses of Heaven,” on the web
site.) This put a strain on our family both economically and in our
relationships. However, my parents acknowledged the pain and
disappointments and were able to move on to provide recreation for all of us
as best they could. I thank God for them, because they did prepare my
siblings and me for life in so many ways. And, they loved us at the same time.
In the same way, God teaches us how to find joy in the midst of struggles. He put us here on earth
for fellowship with Him and to enjoy all He created for us. Unfortunately, Man, going back to the Garden
of Eden, wanted to follow his own direction, not God’s. (See Genesis, chapters 2 and 3.) From that
moment on and due to humans desiring to go their own way, we now live in a fallen world. Sin and its
consequences came to stay. Therefore, it is a given that we will experience the heartache and pain that
goes along with living. But here comes the good news: “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for
everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for
everyone.” (Romans 5:18, NLT) Through what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have hope. We can
savor this journey by not being under our circumstances but above them.
I really believe if we do it God’s way and follow after Him, we will have less stress and more fun
than we can imagine. Look at Deuteronomy 28 to see the instructions God gave the Israelites through
Moses on this subject. In this chapter, the consequences of obedience
versus disobedience of the commandments of the Lord are taught.
Then in the New Testament, Jesus tells us where to place our
energies: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live
righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew
6:33, NLT) We might as well enjoy the ride—the journey—and allow
God to take care of the rest. He knows our needs and promises to
meet them. Choosing joy in the midst of a difficult circumstance is
not easy, but necessary and certainly more fun. Try it!
The key is this: “You do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your
pleasures.” (James 4:2b-3, NAS) So, with the right intentions, ask God to help you have integrity and
that He would give you a fulfilling existence. Ask Him to help you with your thoughts and goals—that
they would align with His will. Then, watch as He guides you into an abundant life within His perfect
plan for you. I can tell you from personal experience that you will enjoy your life greatly and with less
stress than others who may not know Him. Living amongst all the chaos of this world is unavoidable, but
we can choose to look to God to show us a life abundant in Him. “I came so they can have real and
eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10, MSG) The New Living
Translation says it this way, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” In turn, we will have
an impact on those around us as they see our contentment even as we go through tough situations.
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So, try joy and have some fun. Do the things you have a passion for and really delight in. Reach
out to others when you can, and watch His joy spread. God is here for our enjoyment, not to condemn us.
Be blessed, my friends, and love and be loved. God is always right there with you! We are the ones who
walk away sometimes, not Him. He is only a prayer away. He wants us to ask for His help to live a life
full of peace and cheerfulness—will you call on Him today?
Always moving forward in Christ, IrisThis article is an excerpt from our May. 2012 Newsletter. You can read the entire Newsletter, Click Here
Joy
