“Joy doesn’t demand that trouble is removed from our life, but rather that we savor any good gift in dark times.” Flourish: 21 Ways To Thrive Before 45, The Bible App
By: Gabriela Yareliz
There are many times when joy seems like a fleeting notion. There are circumstances where it is thought inappropriate to feel joy. There are times where it’s all we desperately want, but it seems out of reach.
I have been surrounded by a lot of sadness recently, and sadness has intruded into certain aspects of my own life.
One can feel like a walking zombie, aching with hurt. It may be hurt where someone who hurt us disregards us and seems happy anyway; hurt of abandonment; hurt of feeling like someone important to you favors someone else who you feel has hurt you; hurt from illness; hurt from betrayal; hurt from exploitation; hurt from loneliness; hurt. Whatever the root.
But still, scripture promises joy. Joy despite circumstances— not joy dependent on circumstances. Joy rooted in God that serves as a source of strength.
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)
I came across the quote at the top of the post, and it touched me. It was what I needed for the morning. A reminder that joy is rooted in gratitude and worship. It is rooted in clinging to the sliver of light that glows softly in the darkness. Keeping the flame burning. It’s always needed. It should be lasting. It’s always appropriate. And it is promised.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 