If you want to learn to swim, you have to get in the water. You can sit by the pool and dream about swimming. You can flop on your bed and practice your breaststroke to perfection. But unless you get in the water – it’s not swimming. At some point, head knowledge is not enough.
Most of us have probably heard the saying, “don’t pray for patience!” Why? Because we can read, we can study and we can have all the head knowledge we want about patience, but unless we go through situations or circumstances that demand patience, it really isn’t patience. Ask me how I know?!:) We will never truly develop that wonderful fruit of the spirit known as patience until we actually practice patience.
The past few months, I have been asking the Lord to teach me more about joy. More about choosing joy. Even when circumstances are less than joyful. The Bible says we are to “count it all joy” and I believe that Christians not only should but actually can choose joy – on difficult days, heart heavy days and during days that just feel weary. That said, more often than not, I choose to live defeated by my emotions. Evidence of my joy can, far too often, be hard to find. That’s rather sad but true. So, I asked the Lord to help me.
Much like learning swim skills in the safety of the bedroom, I am not truly going to know how to deliberately choose joy on “nothing but blue sky” days! But, not surprisingly, I do not have to wait long for some “less than sunny days” in order to practice choosing joy. For getting real life experience and opportunities to overcome discouragment, anxiety, anger, etc and to live with joy. There have been more than few cloud-filled days of late. Even stormy days. But God has been using those hard days to teach me and to refine me. I have also seen several around me face some difficult situations. And they have done so with grace, patience and genuine joy. Each one of them has been not only an example but a real encouragment to me. And so I share this quick tidbit to encourage whoever might need it. If we ask, He will be faithful to teach us.
And maybe it’s just me that needs the reminder. That’s okay too. I will press on. And choose joy!!
Well done, my dear friend. I’m currently doing a study of James by Sinclair Ferguson and everything you have shared here are things that he has highlighted concerning how we face our trials. Thank you for the reinforcement. xx
Well said, Jennifer! I pray you find something throughout your day that adds joy to your heart. Happy Friday!
I have heard it said not to pray for patience because then you can be certain circumstances will happen in your life that try your patience and it’s the Lord’s way of saying, “Ok, here’s your opportunity to be patient.” I think we can pray for God to assist as as we’re being refined by or with practicing patience. Agree so much about what you wrote about joy. Am I joyful when I have a bad day? No! When someone says something negative to or about me? No! When things don’t go my way? No! It’s something I need to pray about and work on for sure. How wonderful to have people around you who are doing well with regard to choosing joy in difficult circumstances.
A lovely post, Jennifer! I pray for patience daily. I don’t have trouble with love, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s patience and, oftentimes, kindness that are lacking in me. It’s a struggle, and I am thankful that our God is merciful and patient with me!! Amen.
Hello! I sent you the recipe by email. 🙂
Yes, JOY!! It can be a hard one in life’s tough times. I have studied contentment this year and by that study it has led me to a true joy because it reminds me if my eyes are on Him alone and He is ENOUGH for me no matter what there is JOY with and in Him. We all have this struggle.
Good post and thought!
The word Joy acts as a verb, so yeah…it needs to be practiced, smiles. I think all of us could and should practice it, smiles. —it has been 112* here all week in central Florida and I am just over it, LOL. Wishing you a lovely day.
Hello, my friend. Thank you for this insightful and inspiring post. Joy can be a hard one sometimes. I have a problem feeling safe when I feel joy, as if I am tempting fate by admitting I am joyful. I know, weird. Such is the mind of OCD. But, I am a work in progress! Thanks for sharing. Hugs!