Strong spirits: joy in trouble
To be filled with his joy: that's an offer I can't refuse.
Jesus promised it: "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33)
This is a broken world. It only takes a brief view of daily news to see that. Pain and hurt and sorrow surround us, and affect us. I know you know this is true. And having faith in God is no guarantee that you will be spared. Jesus suffered as did all of his disciples, as will we.
But that's not the end of the quote. "But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Whatever you are struggling with now can be faced and overcome if we face it with him. Even more, he promises his joy: "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." (John 16:22)
In the midst of our worst trial, he promises to be with us and to fill us with his joy. That's an offer I can't refuse. How about you?
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
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