from Jochebed …In The Valley

KEEPING OUR JOY

Many times in life will a situation arise that will not make us happy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep our joy. Our Joy comes from the Lord; from the work He completed on the cross, and the promises He has made us. True we live in a broken world. Tragedy happens all around us and it seems to only be getting worse. The world is trying to erase Christ from our morals, values, principles and everyday lives. Christians everywhere are being persecuted. How can we possibly remain joyful? We must remember that among the many wonderful promises the Lord has made us, He has also promised us hard and trying times. We joy in the fact that our hope is not in this world, but in the Lord.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John. 16:33.

We joy because, “…greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” 2 John 4:4

We must stand strong in the Lord. “ …For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:10

Although the influences of this world will do its best to persuade you to forsake the teachings of God, you must hold fast to your faith. “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy. and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

There is never a better time to witness than when tragedy strikes people are scared and from and need the hope the Gospel gives. By witnessing we bring glory to God; showing others the peace God has given us even in troubled times. And as peace, God has given us even in troubled times.
And as Christians, bringing glory to God gives us Joy. Even in persecution, we can keep our Joy, knowing that “inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding Joy.” Remember that we are in the world for a short time. All trials and tribulations will soon be passed away, and eternity will be sept in heaven with our Lord, our Saviour, and our God.

For in your salvation, you can always be Joyful. “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation.” Ps. 35:9

You will never lose your joy, if you keep your joy in the Lord.
—- Jochebed in the Valley