Who is happy?

RoyWM · #21 25th October 2009, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by NatalieJan777

AMEN! I have learned to rest in the Lord and be content in what ever circumstance he chooses to place me in. Praise and Glory be to HIM always and in all ways. HE alone makes me joyfull and happy!

Considering the rather stressful circumstances of my own life (ie. invalid wife and two grown disabled children that I care for, recent heart surgery) many people think I am doing a fantastic job of keeping it real.

However, I do get down on myself and have feelings of worthlessness thinking why me, why has God singled me out for such a difficult life?

357magnum · #22 25th October 2009, 12:15 PM

I am thankful most of all that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for me and I belong to Him. From there, I give thanks that God helped me grow in strength as His Child.

God has told us in His Word of many ways to make our joy more full even in this short life, so I give thanks for God's Love Letter to us - His Word. I have great joy in studying God's Promises to us and knowing that this world is not our home.

This short life is like the blink of an eye compared to the Eternity that will be in Jesus Christ. Our citizenship and Inheritance is in Heaven.

I anxiously await His Glorious Appearance to catch us up and take us Home to Glory. In the meantime, the Holy Spirit of God lives in our hearts as a guide and comforter.

Our riches are in Christ - not the things of this world. I certainly give thanks that God has provided physical necessities for my family and I, but I give thanks most of all for our spiritual riches in Christ. If we yield for His use, there is no irony that our joy will be more full. Truly, He works everything out for our good if we love Him and yield to Him.

I just skimmed the surface of things that I give thanks for. I'll end by saying that I give thanks for a Real Hope that's based on the Promises of God. We know that He keeps all of His Promises perfectly.

Romans 5:1-2 KJV Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 15:4-7 KJV For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Ephesians 1:15-23 KJV Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Colossians 1:24-27 KJV Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Love In Christ

NatalieJan777 · #23 27th October 2009, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by RoyWM

Considering the rather stressful circumstances of my own life (ie. invalid wife and two grown disabled children that I care for, recent heart surgery) many people think I am doing a fantastic job of keeping it real.

However, I do get down on myself and have feelings of worthlessness thinking why me, why has God singled me out for such a difficult life?

Dear Brother,

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Jesus never promised the road would be easy, HE only promised that HE would never leave us.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light."

Continue to cast all your burdens on HIM because HE loves you and wants to lighten your load.

You are not worthless (but only human for feeling this way as we all do and would in your circumstances). Jesus says that he among us who will be the greatest will be our servant. In loving service to the needs of your family you are indeed serving Christ Jesus so that you never need to feel unworthy.

Blessings to you dear brother!

Your sister in Christ Jesus,
Nat

RoyWM · #24 27th October 2009, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by NatalieJan777

Dear Brother,

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Jesus never promised the road would be easy, HE only promised that HE would never leave us.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light."

Continue to cast all your burdens on HIM because HE loves you and wants to lighten your load.

You are not worthless (but only human for feeling this way as we all do and would in your circumstances). Jesus says that he among us who will be the greatest will be our servant. In loving service to the needs of your family you are indeed serving Christ Jesus so that you never need to feel unworthy.

Blessings to you dear brother!

Your sister in Christ Jesus,
Nat

Thankyou so much NatalieJan,

I accept your prayers with gratitude. I have my days and some so wonderful and then others not so much. However, I never forget what God has done in my life. I trully am a new creation nothing like the former.

ashout · #25 27th October 2009, 11:05 PM

I'm happy becuase Jesus loves me. When I'm reading scripture there is a burning fire in my heart. I'm happy.

suzybeezy · #26 28th October 2009, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by RoyWM

Considering the rather stressful circumstances of my own life (ie. invalid wife and two grown disabled children that I care for, recent heart surgery) many people think I am doing a fantastic job of keeping it real.

However, I do get down on myself and have feelings of worthlessness thinking why me, why has God singled me out for such a difficult life?

I too have 2 special needs children (one is 9 with CP and one is 8 with developmental delays) (4 kids in total), my husband has been off work since Jan following back surgery that didn't work and now is having heart problems, my parents have been in and out of the hospital and now my mom looks like she has full blown alzheimers. Folks compliment me all the time saying they are amazed at how well I'm handling everything - I don't see it myself. I get down on myself and sometimes can feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. But I keep trusting that God will bring us through it all, even better. I now look at these situations as blessings as God has drawn me sooo much closer to him through it all and I'm learning to trust that all things are in His hands. All the worrying in the world isn't going to change things, but pray and faith make all the difference.

Would I say I'm happy - to be honest No, not completely - I'm rather tired

I think that I need to continue to work at not just acceptance of my circumstances but to have true joy in my heart that God is good and He's my savior and all things are in His hands.

RoyWM · #27 28th October 2009, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by suzybeezy

I too have 2 special needs children (one is 9 with CP and one is 8 with developmental delays) (4 kids in total), my husband has been off work since Jan following back surgery that didn't work and now is having heart problems, my parents have been in and out of the hospital and now my mom looks like she has full blown alzheimers. Folks compliment me all the time saying they are amazed at how well I'm handling everything - I don't see it myself. I get down on myself and sometimes can feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. But I keep trusting that God will bring us through it all, even better. I now look at these situations as blessings as God has drawn me sooo much closer to him through it all and I'm learning to trust that all things are in His hands. All the worrying in the world isn't going to change things, but pray and faith make all the difference.

Would I say I'm happy - to be honest No, not completely - I'm rather tired I think that I need to continue to work at not just acceptance of my circumstances but to have true joy in my heart that God is good and He's my savior and all things are in His hands.

Suzybeezy,

I will certainly keep your family in my prayers and I hope your husband gets a job soon. That must be so painful for him. Your family has suffered much for such a young family.

I can identify with everything you are saying though. Sometimes I wonder if I can handle one more terrible thing and then it happens anyway. While I am going through the next terrible situation I am angry, disappointed, hurt and hoping that God can see everything I am going through and will take pity on me. And it doesn't seem that He does see.

I don't know why exactly things begin to change but they do. Its like God is pouring His Spirit into me while I wasn't looking and then I see more clearly. Despite what has happened I begin to look forward again with hope.

suzybeezy · #28 28th October 2009, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by RoyWM

Suzybeezy,

I will certainly keep your family in my prayers and I hope your husband gets a job soon. That must be so painful for him. Your family has suffered much for such a young family.

I can identify with everything you are saying though. Sometimes I wonder if I can handle one more terrible thing and then it happens anyway. While I am going through the next terrible situation I am angry, disappointed, hurt and hoping that God can see everything I am going through and will take pity on me. And it doesn't seem that He does see.

I don't know why exactly things begin to change but they do. Its like God is pouring His Spirit into me while I wasn't looking and then I see more clearly. Despite what has happened I begin to look forward again with hope.

They say that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. I keep saying He's overestimating me! LOL But ya' know what I've found, I'm stronger than I think - cause just when I think I can't take any more, and yet another thing happens, I survive it! And the little storms that use to just level me, I can more easily weather now with God's help. People are now just facing financial strains and other heartaches that I've been dealing with for years - now I can use my experience to help them. God prepared me already. Of course, I'd like some relief from the chaotic stressful life I lead, but then I think nah, where would I be without this life I've had - probably pretty weak in my faith.

RoyWM · #29 28th October 2009, 08:26 PM

You have a fantastic attitude Suzybeezy,

I can't say that I have a good attitude. I have some good moments, but I can be a real bear when I am stressed out from being overwhelmed. I think I am the only one in my family that gets it; that understands the difficulties and that aggravates me. If I wasn't here to keep things together I am not sure they would survive. That bothers me too, because they need to be more self-reliant.

357magnum · #30 30th October 2009, 01:27 PM

Brothers and Sisters,

We all have needs and trials on a regular basis, and we can all pray for each other every day. God loves to hear our prayers, and He still does as He pleases in Heaven and on earth. Praying for each other is part of our fellowship, and prayer for each other is a wonderful gift.

We must never forget that we have Peace with God, and He will walk with us every step of the way in this short life if we simply pray and invite Him into our lives. It is better still to daily yield to His Will for us and let Him be the Lord over our lives. His will for us is always for our best, regardless of what kind of trials we are going through.

God didn't promise us an easy time in this short life, but He did Promise that His Grace would be sufficient for our needs if we yield to Him and ask Him. The Apostle Paul described this short life as a race and fight, and Paul set a priority of "finishing the course" God had set out for him. Each one of us has a course God has set out for us. Finishing it will be a race and a fight that definitely involves a ministry that God has for all of us. How wonderful would it be to one day hear, "Well done good and faithful servant"?

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Love In Christ