Just a Thought: I have heard people say, “God just wants me to be happy!” But scripture is clear He is far more concerned with me being holy. However, when I am holy and drawing closer to Him, that is when I am happiest. Now, the reason this is true is because the closer I am to the Lord the more of His peace and genuine joy I experience. When I finally get the idea the Lord desires to continue to grow me into spiritual maturity so He can use me in effective ministry, I can and will see things from a different perspective and I can roll with what is happening. After all, if the Lord is designing things for me to experience, He is in control. His arms are around me. His grace is sufficient for me. His strength is available to me. And His thoughts and plans for me are only good. This is why Paul could write “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom 5:3-5) That is quite a different perspective toward things like suffering and difficulties. We can “rejoice”? Well, yes because the Lord is watching over us. He is still protecting us and providing for us. He is still guiding us. He is still able to bring us His peace in the storms if we trust Him. He is still producing in us the things that will draw us closer to Him and make us spiritually mature and holy. He is making us fit for ministry to others as well as growing us in faith. I think sometimes we hear the word rejoice and we interpret it “giddy” or “glad.” As if we are to see trials coming our way and jump for joy “Oh boy, thank You Lord for another trial that will test my faith to the limit!” NO! But it also does means that I know what is happening. I know the intended end result. Though it may be difficult to endure these times, I know I can and will by the constant companionship and help of the Lord. So, I understand the Lord is in this. He will see us through this and there is divine, righteous purpose in all of this. And it doesn’t matter if the trial is coming because of people, circumstances or anything else. My God is bigger, stronger and more faithful than any trial I may face. Therefore, when trials come, I draw on the peace and joy that comes from the Lord and embrace the opportunity for the growth that will result from this. James wrote something similar (Js. 1:2). I have heard people say, “God just wants me to be happy!” But scripture is clear He is far more concerned with me being holy. And I am glad as He allows things to come my way to accomplish this goal, that He never leaves me or forsakes me! Lord thank You that I have the confidence and promise of Your word that You will never send me into a trial. But rather You will always take me through them. And, because of every trial You will draw me closer to You as You grow me to look more like You. Help me to embrace Your peace and rest in Your joy by keeping my eyes on You as You do Your work in me to make me holy and happy because I am closest to You.
