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| 5 ways to remain joyful in the journey |
5 Ways to Remain Joyful in the Journey Even When It’s Hard
Life happens.
We all endure hardships in our lives and trying times can be overwhelming. God
tells us to always remain joyful (Philippians 4:4). But how do we do that when
circumstances weigh heavily upon our shoulders and each step we take may seem
like we are going uphill against a pile of rocks?
The answer to every problem we face is grounded in the word of God and this is no different. We also need to see joy as different from happiness. Joy is the deep abiding presence of God. He is with us no matter what. Our emotions may fluctuate, but the Lord is always there to strengthen us and remind us of His love. Joy is the assurance of faith.
Here are 5 ways we can stay joyful in the journey of life no matter what
obstacles comes our way:
1. Put God first.
When we let God control our lives, we reap the blessing of His hand. His peace,
comfort and joy will be allowed to permeate our souls, as well as having our
needs met.
But seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added
to you (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).
2. Focus on the
positive. Difficult and tragic situations can make life seem impossible to bear,
but continually dwelling on how bad things are only brings depression.
Finally,
brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).
3. Do something
for others. The best way to take our minds off our problems is to help someone
else who is going through bad times.
Let each of you
look not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others
(Philippians 2:4).
4. Pray. Staying in
contact with our heavenly Father opens the door for Him to give us the answer
to what we are seeking.
Give ear to my
words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my
King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice you shall hear in the
morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up
(Psalm 5:1-3).
5. Take one day at
a time. When we try to figure things out on our own, we can become confused
which leads to wrong decisions. Trusting God with each new day and listening to
His direction will give answers we never could have found on our own.
Trust in the
Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:4-5).
Jesus tells us
difficult times will come, not because He sends them, but because we have an
enemy who wants to destroy us. But he also commands His followers to be of good
cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
With the
overcomer on our side, we can’t lose, but it’s up to us to stay connected to
Him so that His power can transform any situation we encounter.
Join the conversation and share other verses
you stand on to remain joyful in the journey.
5 ways to stay joyful in the journey of life (click to share on X)
