Hello.
Tonight as I was spending some time in prayer it dawned on me how certain issues continue to arise in my conversation with God. I live a very blessed life and have so many things to be grateful for. However there always seems to be that one thing that no matter how hard or how long I ask God to take it away it still remains.
I have realized that sometimes that very thing is not placed there by the enemy but by God Himself. It seems that very thing is what causes me to humble myself daily and to pursue Him more. I know that God loves his children and I also know that being a good parent means sometimes allowing your children to go through things that can be tough. I am so concerned with
my own happiness and get frustrated when God allows something to remain in my life that conflicts with my being happy. Then it hits me that happiness is not one of the Fruits of the Spirit. He gives me love and joy and peace but happiness is different. I have an eternal joy in my life knowing Christ and knowing my eternal destiny. However, happiness can be fleeting and conditional relative to what I am going through at the time. I know God gave Job peace and patience and I believe a joy that truly surpassed ALL understanding but I would take a guess that he was probably not happy while enduring all that he did.
I am not trying to say we can’t be happy people, I am just learning to embrace even the difficult things in life knowing that my Father is in control and loves me so much more than I will ever know. So I turn to the love, joy, peace, and patience He gives.
-chris
Connersvine
Thanks Chris, this is something I needed to hear today as this has been my situation for a while.
Chris,thanks for sharing your thoughts.I also have things that trip me up. It’s hard for me to see the difference between joy and happiness.Thanks for the input and reminding me of the Fruits of the Spirit.We are so blessed. Prayin for you some happiness. Becky
chrysalis.
yeah this is definitely not just you. though it may be individualized to each of us, we all have an issue that may never be exterminated. it helps to know that as we struggle through this temporary life we are not alone in this and can encourage and pray for each other. through our suffering, though, it helps solidify our bond with Christ. it reminds us we aren’t autonomous.
What’s the difference between happiness and joy, that joy is a fruit of the Spirit but happiness is not?
I was at a Bible retreat recently, and we talked about this same thing that you just shared with us Chris, that THIS is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. That means to me that no matter what is going on in life, we are to rejoice, the song doesnt say tomorrow, will the be the day, or yesterday was the day, Today is the day. Its hard , but He loves us through the hard times, as well as the good, we need to love him through ALL times. He will restore us, Keep up the good work Connersvine ! Kim
I agree with Kim’s comment completely and it’s taken me 32 years to get there…to realize…THIS is the day the Lord has made rejoice and be glad in it. I may not always be happy with how things go on a given day or even have chosen to be in on that given day, but it is the day the Lord has made and I need to rejoice and be glad.