Joy in Challenging Times
Psalm 16:11 (NIV), You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Challenging times will test your joy. This is especially true when you are unsure of your "path of life," or the will of God. As David plainly states, in the presence of God, we are filled with joy.
I remember many years ago feeling deeply troubled about a situation. As a result of dwelling in the "presence" of that situation emotionally and mentally, my joy began to slip away. So I took a long walk in the early evening on a summer night.
As I walked and prayed, the burden of the situation seemed to grow heavier. I remember reaching a certain point about two miles from home standing under a street light. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of joy and hope swept over me!
In my heart and mind, as I moved away from the presence of the circumstances, and moved into the presence of God, it was only a matter of time before joy "caught up" to me under that street light.
I like think of joy in two ways: Inward and Outward. Inward joy is what you know. Outward joy is how you respond.
INWARD JOY is an inward satisfaction that your are living in the will of God and are pleasing God.
OUTWARD JOY is be glad and rejoice in the victories and triumphs that one has received.
Some Sources of Joy
- Joy comes from abiding in the presence of the Lord. Ps. 16:11
- Joy comes from discovering the will of God through His Word. John 15:11; Jer. 15:16
- Joy is part of the Kingdom of God (“thy kingdom come”). Rom. 14:17
- Joy is a “fruit” or characteristic of the Holy Spirit within our spirit. Gal. 5:22
- Victorious outcomes magnify joy
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