If we're being honest with each other, life is hard sometimes. I can personally attest to this and I think we can all speak from experience to some degree or another. Circumstances change like the waves of the ocean — they are never in the same place for very long. So why place all of your joy in the circumstances you are currently in if you know they could change at any moment? Let me make something clear:
Happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is based on God.
When we put our hope and trust in the things of this world, we can be sure that we will be let down. Our current situations, friends, desires and interests will change, but our God never will. He is constant always. One of my favorite lines from an amazing song by Lauren Daigle says, "More faithful than the rising sun."
I love this analogy. Without ever questioning it, we know the sun will rise every morning, yet God is even more faithful than that. Hebrews 13:8 clearly states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Since we know that God is sure and unwavering, common sense tells us not to place our happiness in the things of this world, but rather in God alone. We see in Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is my strength." I pray that I say this with every breath I take. I pray that my joy is not found in temporary feelings or circumstances, but in the relationship I have with the Creator of the universe. I pray this same thing for all of you.
Real life is this: you are either in the middle of a storm, just exiting a storm or soon to be entering one. Earlier this week at The Grove, which is a women's ministry through Passion City Church in Atlanta, I heard an amazing analogy that fits with this. Our life is like a tree — we must allow ourselves to be uprooted from the world so that we can be replanted by Christ and flourish. When we are firmly planted in Christ, the storm will not uproot us. Sure, it may strip us of our leaves and leave us feeling a little beaten up, but we will still stand strong in God after the storm subsides.
In order to be securely planted when the storm comes, we must prepare for the rough winds and rain before they arrive. We must grow close to our God and dive deep into His word before trouble arises so when situations come up, we have Scriptures to cling to and hope in the midst of hard times. Prepare your heart before that time comes because if you are not in the middle of a storm, you will be soon.
If you feel like you are facing bad weather right now, it is not too late to cling to the cross and find joy in God, regardless of your circumstances. Seek Him and find joy, my friends. Put your hope in Him alone and learn to love your life through the good and bad days.
