Consider it “pure joy”

My friends from A Miracle Every Day asked me to write about joy this week. I’m sure they pray about every subject because they really hit it right this time.

I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world. It’s been a supreme blast. Then the COVID-19 drama stopped my travels completely. It’s been such a bummer. One of my great sources of joy has been taken away. What have you lost during this pandemic?

To be honest with you, I’ve had to find other sources of joy. The Bible says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2, NIV) So pure joy is possible when I face trials? YES! 

I’ve discovered something amazing about joy: it shouldn’t be found in circumstances. In fact, if I look hard enough, I can find joy in the tough times. I’ve come to this conclusion: it’s not what happens to you but what happens through you that really matters. Life can be tough, but I can be tougher with God’s help. Circumstances change, but I can be rock solid because I’m founded on Christ my Rock. The Bible confirms this reality: “‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.’” (Matthew 7:24-25, NIV)

I want to encourage you to build your life on Jesus, the Rock. If He’s living in you and leading you by His Spirit, you will be an overcomer: “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:5, NIV) and “…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NIV)

I know you will start to experience more and more joy, even in your trials, because you are a miracle. And I love you more than puppies.