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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Joy (05/18/06)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13 (NKJV)

I am so thankful for these words of Paul which follow the command in Phil. 4:4 (GW): Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!

One year ago, I had trouble imagining that I could ever find joy again. I had been rejected by my seventeen year old daughter and betrayed by my best friend of twenty five years. I felt like the very air had been sucked out of me. Two people I had loved and trusted had rejected and abandoned me. My strength was gone, washed away in a torrent of tears. Joy, are you kidding? I was just thankful to get out of bed in the morning!

So, as I sit here thirteen months later, I would love to say that all is resolved and that I have found joy in my circumstances. That has not happened. God is still working on our situation. However, one thing I know for sure! He has done a huge work in me this year. I have gotten out of bed each day by His grace, and found at least one thing for which to be thankful. Having an empty nest, gave me the time to completely read the love letter of His Word, Genesis through Revelation. What an awesome gift He has given to us! I have found joy in Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I have found joy in ministry. I have spread my wings and attempted areas of ministry that I had never tried before, and felt His embrace and encouragement.

Now, when that all too familiar feeling of sadness overcomes me. I turn to the One who has faithfully given me strength in all things. I understand that in this world I will have troubles, but I will turn to Jesus, who has overcome the world and is able to overcome my sadness. I will believe His promise in John 16:33 (GW): “I’ve told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you’ll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Joy is not found in anything, anyone, or anyplace. Joy is only found in Jesus. So, the words of Phil. 4:4 are not a request, they are a command. “Be joyful!” “Always be joyful in the Lord;” and I will believe and obey through Christ, who gives me strength!
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This article has been read 784 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynda Schultz 
05/25/06
Well done. Thank you for sharing part of your journey. It is a message of encouragement much needed.
Del Gibbs
05/26/06
What an encouraging piece! Thank you for for your transparency. I've been through some tough times and I needed your message today.
Virginia Gorg
05/26/06
Good message. I like the way you used real life experiences to create this devotional. :)
Anita Neuman
05/28/06
A beautiful testimony and devotional rolled into one. The flow is nice and your vulnerability makes this a touching read.
Crista Darr
05/28/06
This is a quality piece. Well done and wonderful reminder!
Valerie Routhieaux
05/30/06
Very good, and very true. When life gets in the way we need to surround ourselves with only one truth. Jesus loves us.
Your writing has a lot of promise. No spelling or grammer errors that I could detect. Good job. Keep writing.
Phyllis Inniss 
05/30/06
This writing comes from the heart and provides a wonderful source of encouragement for those of us who are going through tough times. Thank God for giving you the strength to carry on so you can pass this message on to us.
Joanne Malley
05/30/06
You have an important quality that every writer needs to posess - God wants our heart when we write for him. You've done that so effectively. Thank you for sharing your struggles and reminding us that joy is still attainable through our Lord no matter what our circumstances. Blessings.