Abundant Life Devotional
By Eric Jinkwen

KEEP YOUR JOY EVEN WHEN YOU FACE A PROBLEM.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Meditation:

It is naturally difficult to keep our peace and joy when faced with problems. Usually, we record various negative reactions when people are confronted with problems. Some panic; others get confused; still others are gripped with fears and worries.
Many Christians get discouraged and lose their passion and joy in service when faced with challenges. They become hopeless. That is exactly what the devil aims at, getting you to lose your peace and to panic so that He can take advantage.

Take note, if not properly handled, some problems can lead to bitterness, depression with all kinds of other emotional and health complications. Don’t yield to that. The Bible is so clear about the importance of keeping our joy in the midst of troubles. Our passage says,
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Beloved, joy in the Lord should be always and should not depend on the circumstances. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. It is our heritage in the kingdom.

Read Also: Release Your Faith

Romans 14:17 reveals that the Kingdom of God is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you are a child of God, you have the Holy Spirit in you, then you have joy in you. When you are in problems, the Spirit of God does not leave you, therefore joy should never leave you either.
So, it is your responsibility not to allow your soul be overwhelmed with worries and mixed feelings, let the joy of God in you through the Holy Spirit submerge your heart. This is possible when you know that God is with you and He will not allow you sink.

Listen, James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Why count it all joy? Because every problem we face have expiring dates and they are opportunities for spiritual growth. James explains that “… the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Beloved you can rejoice in that problem because, you will surely overcome it and you will be better than before. You will be stronger, lacking nothing. Refuse to be bitter. Let God know your request in prayer and go on living with the expectation that God is taking care. Before you know it, things will be better.

Read Also: Raise Back Your Prayer alter

Prayer: Father, help me to remain joyful and peaceful even in this trouble I am facing. Because you are my joy and my peace forever. Amen!