After experiencing a minor burn on my arm, I learned a hard lesson when going to check under the lid of a steaming crock pot. It took a couple of weeks for it to properly heal, but it healed well. During the healing process my son saw me applying ointment on it one day and said; “dad, it looks worst.” I replied, “It is actually healing. It will usually look worst before it gets better.”
As I reflected on the fact that the pandemic of 2020 has already impacted so many lives; it is rather difficult to stay motivated or positive during this time. Everyday it seems as if things get worst.
Usually before anything gets better, it gets worst. However, the Word of God teaches us how to stay joyful even during a time of crisis.
Days before sharing a Sunday message with the church, I asked myself over and over again; how can we still have joy during this time? How can we avoid going into spiraling depression and anxiety? How can I possibly stand before everyone streaming on line trying to uplift everyone?
I delved into the Word and the Lord showed me through scripture how we still have reason for joy even though what we see convinces us differently.
John 16:17 Jesus explains to his disciples; “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” They were accustomed to seeing him and always having him around. As long Jesus was present they could fix their attention on him and everything would work out fine. Until the day he breathed his last breath.
Our perspective will often determine our sense of security and emotions. We may be fearful, anxious, worrisome because what we see convinces us of the severity of the situation. Faith brings joy and does not depend on what we actually see, but what we believe.
Jesus said in John 16:22 “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Things were looking really bad for Jesus when he was on the cross, but there was joy in the morning. It got worst before it actually got better.
Philippians 1:20 Paul says, “so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body…” It did not matter what Paul faced or what position he was in; he knew it was working out for the better even though it seemed to get worst. He knew God would make a way…”as always.”
Paul’s situation often seemed to get worst. Sitting behind prison bars he managed to have praise break with Silas; because their joy was not dependent on how their situation looked. They were joyful because their faith was in God and in any case the Lord would be glorified.
What we are facing should not steal our joy. Our joy should not depend of our situation, but on what we believe God is doing through what we cannot see. Keep believing and making your requests known through prayer and petition. God is with us and in him we find peace and joy.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
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