12 Ways to Find Joy In the Midst of Trials
One of the highlights of my week as a staff member at Watermark Community Church is our weekly staff prayer meeting. Every Tuesday we meet as an entire staff team for worship, community, vision casting, story sharing and prayer. Our lead pastor Todd Wagner typically leads this weekly gathering and you never know what this time will look like. Todd usually keeps us on our toes!
Last Tuesday morning, Todd asked our staff if we were in a season of believing God was 'ripping us off’ and wondering if He really is Good, or if we were in a season of trust and abundance. I love the authenticity of our staff, as both men and women on either side of the equation shared candidly where they were and why. If we are honest about our relationship with God, there are times when most of us fluctuate back and forth between the two.
For no good reason, for the past 4-6 weeks, I have found myself in a season of discontentment in my relationship with God and with others. I consistently compare myself to others, blame my actions and attitude on circumstances and play the victim card instead of taking responsibility. This question from Todd could not have been more timely for me and has forced me to deal with my lack of joy.
Todd then asked our staff what we do when we struggle with believing that God is good. Below are 12 answers from our staff.
Rick said he spends time with community. He enjoys being around people he loves, including family, friends, community group and church. Hebrews 10:24-25
Jason said he serves others. He does a great job of taking the focus off himself and putting the needs of others before his needs by serving them. Mark 10:45
Nate said he writes out the promises of God. This helps him remember who God is and His unchanging promises. Hebrews 13:8
Morgan & Harrison both talked about nature, seeing God’s creation and being reminded of His handiwork. Psalm 8:3-4, 24:1-2
Jon reads scripture like Deuteronomy 8, to remember who God is and what He has done.
Johnny said he worships, sings, and listens to the Lord. Psalm 100
Someone (can’t remember who it was) said they need time away to be still and rest in some solitude, away from the distractions of day-to-day life. Luke 5:16
Robbie talked about how he needs to remember his First Love (no, not his wife) and to go back to doing the things he learned at the start of his walk with the Lord: reading God’s Word, praying, and memorizing scripture. Revelation 2:4
Ryan talked about the value of having no distractions, of turning off the computer, the phone and the television, and instead just enjoying time with family or a good book. Psalm 23:1-3
Abner remembers his Middle Eastern roots and where he came from and what he has been saved from. Galatians 5:1
I take time every day to write down three things I am thankful for. I have a journal I write in each day (separate from my quiet time journal). This habit forces me on days when I am lacking joy to be thankful for the many gifts and even trials in my life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Romans 5:3-4
Our staff team loves hearing people’s stories of life change.
We need to remember where great people have come from. Jon Abel was not singing "Mighty to Save" from his crib. Nate Graybill was not always leading re:generation, the best recovery ministry around. Nika Spaulding was not always equipping 100's and 100’s of women every week at Watermark's Women's Ministry. JP wasn’t always hanging out with young adults at the Porch. Now he leads 1000’s of young adults every Tuesday night.
Stories like this fire me up and remind me that God is Good (Psalm 136:1). He is Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17). Blessed be the name of the Lord.
I try to remember that in the good and bad times, God is worthy of our trust. I love what Job says in Job 1:21, right after he loses just about everything valuable in his life: "And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”"
As much as possible, I want to proclaim, “blessed be the name of the Lord.” As Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
I know many of you are in the midst of major life trials and seasons of hopelessness. I hope you can find a few ways to help you find joy again in the midst of some of the struggles.
Your Turn
How about you right now? What do you believe about God? Are you in a season of discontentedness or a season of trust and abundance? Can you say, in all circumstances, blessed be the name of the Lord?
From the list above, what best resonates with you to help remind you that God is Good? Please share in the comments.
Is there anything else you would add to the list? If so… please comment below.