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Finding Joy in Life's Trials

This document is a reflection on finding joy during times of trial. It discusses how [1] while it is uncommon to feel joy during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, those who seek the kingdom of God can experience hidden joy. [2] We can choose joy rather than letting darkness rob us of life, as God is sovereign even during tragedy and can bring good from suffering. [3] True joy grows within through contemplating trials in light of Scripture, which refreshes the soul; considering trials as pure joy is paradoxical but comes from seeing God's love, sovereignty and purpose.

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arnel denaga
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213 views1 page

Finding Joy in Life's Trials

This document is a reflection on finding joy during times of trial. It discusses how [1] while it is uncommon to feel joy during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, those who seek the kingdom of God can experience hidden joy. [2] We can choose joy rather than letting darkness rob us of life, as God is sovereign even during tragedy and can bring good from suffering. [3] True joy grows within through contemplating trials in light of Scripture, which refreshes the soul; considering trials as pure joy is paradoxical but comes from seeing God's love, sovereignty and purpose.

Uploaded by

arnel denaga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Consider it Pure Joy

H.A. Moldez

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that
the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything. Jam 1:2-4

Reflection
It is uncommon to find joy when faced with trials. It is usual for conversation around covid 19 to
become depressing. As the scent of death spreads to people and economy gladness is overshadowed by
gloom. It is difficult to feel excited about life’s groaning through “trials of many kinds”. H0wever, if we seek
the Kingdom of God in Christ there is a hidden joy waiting in a new normal.

We can choose joy instead of letting the foreboding darkness robs us of life. The coming of the
Kingdom has invaded the pit of despair to inspire hope to those who struggle against sickness, hunger, losing
income and feeling abandoned. God reigns in the tragic reality of the fallen world. The God who loves and
takes charge of everything will frustrate the evil forces attacking us (Rom 8:31-39). We’ll slowly see something
beautiful at work in the ugly experiences we are going through. In God’s sovereignty, something good will
come out although it does not come right away. Song is waiting as we persevere in suffering. If we pause to
consider how God is at work, joy comes in surprise dancing in hope.

It is sad for those who only see the dark side of life. They are easily overcome by disappointment that
disillusions. The venom of despair spreads in their system. Their words are sting of curses to life. Their
infectious gloomy outlook is even deadlier than a virus. God reminds us not to lose hope. Trusting God will
slowly turn fear to faith, gloom to gladness and sense of weakness into strength to embark an adventure of
the Kingdom. Sharing our faith and struggle with spiritual friends inspires quiet joy in solidarity.

Every trial is a test of faith. It “produces perseverance”, James said. If our perspective is right, the
trial that usually tempts us to give up will train us to keep going. As we trust God, the tragedy that destroy will
develop us to mature in faith. The cauldron of suffering sanctifies. God uses every crisis to change if we
believe. We will emerge victors, not victims of suffering. Those who keep moaning the tragic reality of the
new normal are paralyzed. But if we consider Kingdom-possibility in crisis, we can feel up beat to run the race
with passion and perseverance. Waiting for the promise of the Kingdom stirs up deep joy.

Joy does not simply fall from heaven. It grows within by contemplation of trials in light of the
Scripture. God’s words that resonate in the heart are like rains to refresh the dryness of soul. Bible reading
and reflection is a means of being embraced by God as the beloved in the midst of life’s brokenness.
Considering the experience of trial as pure joy is a paradox. Pure joy comes out of trials if we see the larger
perspective of God’s love, sovereignty and purpose in our lives and in the world.

CONTEMPLATIVE CONVERSATION

 What makes it difficult for you to consider joy whenever you “face trials of many kinds”? Why?
 Share insights to choose joy from the reflection as means to instruct and inspire one another?
 How can you become bearer of joy with people struggling to live in the new normal?
 What are you hearing from the Spirit to live a life of joy? Share a prayer to live with joy and spend time
to pray together.

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