joy......

[SeRapH&CheRi]

Due to various events which have transpired over the last few months I feel like I've lost all joy. How does one get the fullness of joy back when all seems so dark and bleak at the moment? What does "the joy of the Lord" truly mean?

 

[Blessed-one]

i'm sorry about that, SeRapH.

during the past few weeks i've been studying the topic joy with friends, i'll list the index here:

Joy in hearing God's Word (scripture study)
Joy in Truth (confession)
Joy in unity (community)
Joy in remembering God (silence)
Joy in taking God's hand (obedience)
Joy in conversation with God (prayer)

joy, is inescapably linked to God. I think when you're feeling empty and down, try to think back on how Jesus has died on the cross for you solely because He loves you.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. " Psalms 51:10-12

 

[SeRapH&CheRi]

i'm sorry about that, SeRapH.

during the past few weeks i've been studying the topic joy with friends, i'll list the index here:

Joy in hearing God's Word (scripture study)
Joy in Truth (confession)
Joy in unity (community)
Joy in remembering God (silence)
Joy in taking God's hand (obedience)
Joy in conversation with God (prayer)

joy, is inescapably linked to God. I think when you're feeling empty and down, try to think back on how Jesus has died on the cross for you solely because He loves you.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. " Psalms 51:10-12

Blessed-one,
Thank your for reminding me of how joy is always going to be inextricably intertwined to God. The last few months have been incredibly painful and I have been pouring through scripture everyday, reading about finding joy even in the midst of suffering. What you posted above are all truths. I just need to continue to have faith and accept God's unconditional love for me. There have been many moments in the last few months where doubt has creeped it and I literally have to fight it. I know that I cannot let Satan steal my joy, which has been a battle in these last few months. Psalm 51 is another good reminder of how God is the One who will renew and sustain me in the midst of my pain and suffering.
S&C

 

[Blessed-one]

praying for you.

and you're right about not letting satan coming in. Once he got a foothold, it'll be hard to break.

if you were having trouble, i suggest you to find someone to talk to... just something that my cousins all pushed in on me today when i told them i've had difficulties.. walking alone makes it all the harder i guess.

 

[kamikazebadger]

I just got converted back to Christianity from Agnosticism a couple of hours ago, and, you must remember what I had forgotten which led to my Agnostic beliefs, God loves you! No matter who you are, He loves you. Yes, you will encounter tribulations along the path of life, but we all do! Remember, Jesus gave His life so you can be forgiven for your sins. You will always be loved by Him and everyone here at the CF. If you ever feel lack of joy again, think of how much God loves you, think of how you are loved by everyone. Like Blessed-one said, joy is linked to God in all ways.

 

[Blessed-one]

God is sooo good!! Welcome back to the family kami!

/me throws in a huge party for kami.