The key to joy in difficult situations is this truth – He never left.
It’s growing in awareness of His constant presence here & now, as we wait for then. May we be so filled that we shine the light of His joy.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
There is purpose in affliction, trials, and suffering.
In Psalm 119:67-68, 71, the author says:
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
We are often afflicted to receive correction according to God’s word. God is faithful and will discipline us when we do not adhere to His ways, because He loves us. Hebrews 12:11 tells us that discipline does not feel good at the time but yields righteousness and peace.
We are also given trials to live out God’s word. When we learn a principle from the bible, it will not remain as head knowledge only. We will be placed in situations where we have to practice it. And that isn’t always pleasant at first because it is contrary to our current state. It’s the same with any training; with practice, the way becomes more natural.
Will you live by faith?
Sometimes, however, the affliction we have to endure is not because we went astray and are receiving correction. Rather, it is someone else in our life who needs correction and we’re involved in the process. Parents – you know what that’s like; pray like you are on mission.
It’s important to view all these events through the lens of victory promised in Christ. See with the eyes of a disciple of Jesus Christ who is always learning and teaching, always growing, in preparation for eternity. Know that there is an end. Yet, there is still an opportunity to grow here. Perhaps an opportunity to love others and learn grace, patience, and endurance.
Regardless of what you are facing today, I pray that you see your Father drawing near in love, and respond in kind.
Process and products used:
These pages in the NIV Journal the Word Bible (New Testament) features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Peony Cluster stamp set
- Star Pattern stencil
- Peace Joy Love stencil
- Lantern Light stamp set
- Vintage Snippets stamp set
- Worshipful Wordfetti stamp set
- Skinny Caps Alpha stamp set
- Boss Lady Outline Alpha
I created the background using the ruler stamp from the Vintage Snippets set in pink, green, yellow, and purple inks.Then, I went over the page using the Star Pattern stencil and those same inks. I also used this stencil on the left page to highlight the verse.
Next, I stamped the florals from Peony Cluster onto mixed media paper and coloured it using watercolour paint. I stamped the leaves using black ink around the pages before gluing the florals. I stamped the phrase about affliction, from that same set, onto sticker paper then cut it into strips, outlined them using a black pen, and added them over the floral cluster.
Then, I stamped the candle from Lantern Light stamps on the page. I coloured in the flame using a yellow marker and blended some yellow ink around that to create a glow. I created the title beside that using Skinny Caps Alpha and Boss Lady Outline Alpha stamps. I coloured in the outline of “joy” with a yellow marker and added some detail using a white gel pen.
Lastly, I stamped two phrases from Worshipful Wordfetti then stenciled the word “JOY” from the Peace Joy Love stencil to fill in some blank space. And, I added some white paint splatters to finish the page.
Be encouraged
🎶 Lavish ~ Big Daddy Weave, Francesca Battistelli
You pour out Your Spirit ’til I overflow
With peace in the midst of my trouble
You’re more than enough for my struggle
You are all I need
And though I walk through the valley
I won’t fear death’s shadow
Because I know You are with me
And the banner that’s over me
Is the love that has set me free
You lavish Your love
You lavish Your love on me
And Your love conquers all my fear
Because Jesus You’re always near
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
1 John 3:1
