“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Source: When Joy Feels so Very Unrealistic | Lysa TerKeurst (proverbs31.org)
Excerpt:
To have both sorrow and celebration in our heart isn’t denial.
It’s deeming life a gift — even if it looks nothing like we thought it would right now.
Our sorrows make our hearts more tender and allow us to grieve. Our celebrations tend to our heart’s need to recognize what is beautiful about our life, get back up and go on.
Let’s embrace the mix of all that’s worthy of celebration while fully allowing sorrow to add what it brings as well — knowing we can trust Jesus’ recipe of purpose in both the pain and the joy.
Father God, when joy feels so very unrealistic, help me consider where glimpses of joy might be found throughout my day today. Help me bring the perspective of both sorrow and celebration to my circumstances, and keep reminding me that Your plans for me are still good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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