Inspired by . . . Day 2: Adversity

Inspired by . . . 31 days of JOY Inspired by . . . Day 3: Harmony

Inspired by . . . Day 2: Adversity

This post is part of a 31 day series on JOY

You may access all the past days by clicking here.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,

do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on

the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt 5:44-45

Some people think that because they’re a Christian or because they’re a good person that they should be prosperous and healthy, enjoying a life of blessing. But the blessings of God come from His hand of Grace. They are not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. “. . . for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

If we base God’s love for us, our happiness and our worth on the blessings that we receive then we’re believing a lie.

Oswald Chambers says, “There is a difference between environment and circumstances. We each make our own environment, our personality does it for us.” You might insert the word “attitude” for “personality” here. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can always control our response and our attitude.

Remember, happiness depends on things that happen. But JOY is not affected by external conditions.

Take some time to consider how you’re affected by adversity. If you’re only JOYful when things are going well, or going your way then you may be confusing happiness with JOYfulness. An honest look at ourselves during times of adversity can tell us a lot about our true character, and show us where we need to change.

The Bible doesn’t promise happiness or a life free of trials.

But the Bible does have a lot to say about JOY, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on for the next 30 days!

Blessings,