Our word "Joy" is found over 165 times in the NKJV Bible. Joy goes beyond the expression of happiness. True Joy remains in tact despite difficult circumstances. One of the best people to glean knowledge from on this subject would be James. As you will notice in James 1:2-18, he encourages trials to be viewed as a reason for rejoicing, because enduring hardships leads to spiritual maturity.
Whenever I read the first chapter of James, I am reminded of the analogy of silver being refined. Silver must be held in the middle of the fire where the flames burn hottest in order to release its impurities. The silversmith knows that when he can see his image in the silver, it is completely refined & pure. Think on that a moment. When you're going through the fire and "being burned", the Lord is refining & purifying you to become more like Himself. When troubles come, the farthest thing from our minds is to patiently endure. Our typical reaction to is to thrash around in anger & frustration, as would a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. The Lord desires a more mature relationship with us and that's why He allows such testing. I do not know what you are currently going through or burdened with, Friend, but I do know the One who is wanting to refine you and He works all things, including your trials, together for good. God's desire is for you to be "perfect and complete, lacking nothing."(v.4). Despite daily, ever-changing circumstances, the Lord wants you to experience His everlasting Joy!
Find Joy in Him, Beloved!
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