For years, I was a prisoner to my circumstances. Even though as a child I trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and my eternal state was settled, I lived in defeat more than victory. My joy was stolen whenever something hard came along. And the sad, sad part was, I always felt powerless to change.

With so much sadness and painful experiences all around, it is quite easy to give in to the notion that God is unaware or just does not care. But that is when we need the promises of Scripture to flood our hearts and minds with His truth. If the blood of Jesus can wash away the sins (horrible things that we have done or thought, and even those things we have not done that we should have) of the world (all who call on His name will be saved), then God’s same loving power can certainly make good come out of the happenings of the very children He went to such extremes to redeem for His name sake!

In my last post, I highlighted the strength it takes to stand strong especially as it relates to Ephesians 6:10. In the verses immediately following, we are given the attire needed for accessing that strong stance (Ephesians 6:10-18). All God’s provisions are at our disposal 24/7, so it is never because He is not answering our calls that we lack might. And when the Bible tells us to do something, we are without excuse to obey.

Repeatably, the Bible commands our attitude to be that of rejoicing… overriding the times when we don’t feel like rejoicing. The Apostle Paul, our great example of joy in the midst of terrible circumstances, wrote much on the subject. And if you need a modern-day hero look no further than Joni Eareckson Tada. But of course, our greatest example of joy is the Lord Jesus Christ “…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NASB). Can you imagine the magnitude of joy that could keep one’s focus when being crucified, not to mention crucified for the sins of the whole world?!

Thus, when circumstances prevent us from experiencing that sustaining inner joy – the joy of the Lord – we can certainly know something is not right. Maybe peace was never made with God and there is no hope you will ever know real and lasting joy. Perhaps a need remains to trust in Jesus alone to receive the free gift of eternal life. But if you have experienced His saving faith, and still your circumstances prevent you from sharing a real and sincere joy with the world, then quite possibly, you are not living in harmony with God’s design. Sure, there will be days when sadness and pain accompany us, yet they should not rule and reign and drain our joy.

How can we experience the joy of the Lord through every and any circumstance? First, we need to remember, Our Sovereign Creator, must have allowed whatever is touching the corner of our world. He knows all, and He wants us to trust His power and His sustaining work in our life! Next, we need to spend time reading Ephesians 6:10-18 while praying that God Almighty would stir our heart anew providing understanding, peace, and joy that comes from an active relationship with the God of the Universe.

I love the last part of Nehemiah 8:10 which says, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (NASB). There is a lot to be grieving about in Nehemiah’s day and in ours. But instead focus on what you can celebrate and rejoice in – God IS our LORD! His Word provides all we need! There is a sweet adage boldly proclaiming, “The hope of the righteous brings joy” (Proverbs 10:28, ESV). And the Bible offers a prayer that “the God of hope [will] fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans15:13, ESV).

Reason we can be glad and rejoice:

“Though [we] have not seen Him, [we] love Him. Though [we] do not now see Him, [we] believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of [our] faith, the salvation of [our] souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV).  

As God’s children, looking forward to eternal life with Him, we have every reason to

“greatly rejoice…for He has clothed [us] with the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10, ESV).

Are you experiencing a deep abiding joy so overwhelmingly indescribable? It is a joy which causes us to rejoice because Christ died for our sins! Yet we have even more to rejoice in as He also daily sustains His children until He delivers us to the very door of our eternal home!

“For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name” (Psalm 33:21, NASB).

Are you trusting in the One Who can restore the “joy of your salvation”? (Psalm 51:12)