Embracing Joy When It Seems Impossible
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”—Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
Have you ever faced a setback or disappointment in your life?
The journey to joy can be long and complicated, but with time, effort, and patience, you will achieve it. We all seek true joy in our lives, yet sometimes it feels elusive. Joy and contentment stem from knowing our purpose and living it out. However, life’s challenges can obscure that sense of joy. I have learned that overcoming obstacles is essential to discovering true joy.
Facing emotional hurdles can be a challenge when looked at from a personal perspective. It is when we look from God’s point of view that we are able to encounter peace and put trust in God. Our complicated feelings are normal and shouldn’t be suppressed, but embraced while we cast our cares upon Jesus Christ knowing that He can and will help us navigate our paths.
Keeping the faith when our daughter faced health issues and the school accused me of poor parenting, tested my faith once again. This hurdle, although temporary, did not define my worth or ability to parent effectively, but it caused my faith to waver.
I cried, “Where are you God?” I vowed to remain focused on believing God for a miraculous healing of my daughter. I worked hard to maintain a positive outlook and stand strong. With this renewed faith, I soon began to recognize the difference between happiness and joy.
God changed the situation and restored her health. My daughter’s kidney failure was healed, and all bloodwork soon balanced. She returned to school with little disruption from the routine. This experience served as a witness to God’s healing power.
Understanding Joy
Joy isn't dictated by external circumstances; it’s a state of being that comes from within. Achieving joy involves transforming your mind. Learn to relax, avoid worrying about the future, and be kind to yourself. Realize that you are valuable and important. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, keep a gratitude journal, and focus on the good in your life.
Living a Joy-Filled Life
A joy-filled life is one of peace, positivity, and faith. If I had continued to focus on the numerous doctor’s appointments and the hours spent doing iron transfusions, my mind would have stayed in a negative state with hope for a future. However, when I started using affirmations from the Bible, it boosted my confidence and growth spiritually. While family, friends, and career can bring happiness, the peace of God surpasses all. Balancing these aspects of your life will improve your life.
Finding joy also involves knowing your true identity that is found in Jesus Christ. In difficult times, build your faith and trust in God. Trusting Him doesn’t mean you won’t face hardships, but it assures you that He is always with you. Don’t let your faith waver. Turn to God in prayer.
Be patient and gracious with yourself. Don’t give up when things get tough. The joy you seek is just beyond these obstacles. By persevering, you will find that joy is indeed attainable. Life is a journey. Take care of your health and practice self-care to withstand the emotional hurdles that come your way. Embrace joy, keep your faith, and know that you can overcome any challenge that life presents.
“The joy of the Lord is our strength” Bible promise is brought to fullness when we accept God’s provision of righteousness by grace that reunites us so we can enjoy His presence. Joy should be pursued at all costs in developing an intimate relationship with God. What appears on the surface and what we see with your visual eyes can be the enemy distracting us from God’s best in our life. If we hold fast to the truths that are given to us in the Bible, we will have strength that reaches the depths of or souls.
Let’s Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for being a faithful God who never leaves nor forsakes us. I praise you for strengthening me when I feel weak. Please help me to focus on You and not allow distractions to remove Your peace. May the joy of salvation rule within my heart today and forever. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “Joy of the Lord” (feat. Katie Torwalt, Dante Bowe & Naomi Raine) - Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
Dr. LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach.
Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.
With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves.
LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression.
She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice.
Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years.
LaVonda and her husband have three children.
~*~
Connect with LaVonda:
Website: https://www.lavondamccullough.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.