Choosing joy through all life's troubles
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"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7
Sometimes, life knocks us down. Other times life kicks us when we are down. Sometimes it is easy to dust ourselves off and get back up. Other times it is a struggle to stand up and continue to face our life. But we never have to face it alone. But how, HOW do we continue to face our troubles with joy in our hearts and songs of praise on our lips? There's the rub. It isn't easy. Today has been one of those days.
Last night our family found out that my father's recent test results don't look too good. A little back story, my father is a disabled vet with deteriorating health, my mother is disabled from a progressive, debilitating autoimmune disease which has left her dependent on my father for care, and my father can no longer fully care for her on his own. I have two older brothers with families of their own, who cannot take care of our parents. I am a military wife with a successful husband and two children, both of whom are autistic, and I have two autoimmune diseases that cause their own problems. My plate is already full, but I may have to make some more room, as I, the daughter, am expected to take care of my parents' needs, which I am glad to do. It is my duty as a daughter. "Honor your father and mother." The commandment with a promise. Need I say more?
But it isn't that simple. Or is it?
Pastor Steven Furtick did a wonderful sermon recently about choosing your chains. What are you going to allow to chain you? What is going to be the source of your joy? It got me thinking: What is my joy? Where do I get my joy? What brings me happiness? It's a short list.
1. Obviously my singing praise to God brings me joy. It's actually my respite time. The time I can forget everything that is troubling me and just focus on worship.
2. Watching my children succeed.
3. Watching my husband succeed.
The only one I take an ACTIVE role in is my praise. But sometimes, it hurts to praise. Shoot, it hurts to pray, let alone praise! What is even worse: our lives aren't even really that bad. So now I feel guilty that I am having issues praying and praising our Lord. (Side note: For a great example of how the west doesn't have it that bad and how we need to REALLY get a perspective that will change our outlooks, read "The Insanity of God" by Nik Ripken. It will change your life.)
So how do we choose joy? How do I choose joy?
1. By realizing that this life isn't meant to be easy. In fact, Jesus SAID it wouldn't be easy and that the world hated him first. Also, James 1:2-4 says, "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know the these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience."
2. By reading His Word and praying...daily. Pray without ceasing. Meditate on God's Word. "But I don't have time." Yes you do. Take that first cup of coffee with you and sit down with your bible and read. And pray. And start the day off right. Even David didn't have it all easy. He was always praying for God's help in times of troubles. Be like David and pray.
3. Praise. You have to praise him through the pain, through the turmoil, and through the storms. It's a mind set. If you are praising God, you can't be thinking about that bill that's due, that person who is sick, that person that said that one thing about you that made you feel like dirt. When you truly praise, you focus solely on God. Just Him and His righteousness. Not on yourself, not on tomorrow, just The Good Lord. Again, I am reminded of David. David praised God in the good times, and he praised God in the bad times. Job, praised God through, well...being Job. And if he can do it, I can praise Him through this tough season of my life.
So, what's your joy? Is life kicking you when you are down? Remember to study the Word, Pray, and Praise!
Songs to consider: Natalie Grant's "More Than Anything", Casting Crowns: “Oh My Soul”
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