Joy in the midst of mourning
Overcoming grief by encouraging yourself in the word
July 22, 2022
Perfect obedience is submitting to God’s perfect will
September 1, 2022Joy in the midst of mourning. Can I be joyful, can I laugh, am I allowed to be happy , in millennial speak am I entitled to be happy? The biblical definition of joy is, it is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependant on who Jesus is rather than who we are or what is happening around us. Joy is one of the gifts of Holy Spirit and since He abides in us, all we have to do is appropriate it, by faith. I also have joy because of my hope in the resurrection that Ed has gone on before us to a better place, which is heaven. We too look forward to calling heaven our final destination.
Where does my strength come from?
The joy of the Lord is my strength, a verse that I have studied and shared but in this season I have had to live it out. It has been tough but not impossible, it has been complicated and yet O so simple. I have had to die to self and let God be God in my heart and mind. What kept me going through the funeral and burial was while here on earth we were mourning the loss of our loved one. Heaven was rejoicing that one of their own had crossed over into the heavenly realms. Since burying him I have now had to deal with what live looks like without him. Mmmh not so pretty because when God said the two become one, He meant it and now this half has to learn how to be whole all over again.
How does one cultivate joy?
I have cultivated this fruit of the spirit by reminding myself whose I am. Who do I belong to? Who has me in the palm of His hand? Who wipes away my tears? Now I understand all the fuss that is made about memorising scripture verses. Because when you can’t pray they act as a prayer, simultaneously reminding you and the Lord what His promises are. Also it is awesome to see that the truths I believe in now that I need them are indeed true!
This week the song that I have had on repeat in my mind, soul and spirit is Reason to praise by Bethel Music featuring Cory Asbury and Naomi Raine. I particularly like the chorus and the bridge, I pray it blesses you also.
You’re the God of the breakthrough
When I’m breaking down
You’ll be working a way through
When there’s no way out
This one thing I know, You’re still on Your throne
So whatever I’m feeling
I’ve still got a reason to praise
And the bridge
When You come around
Dry bones come to life
Deserts to paradise
Stones just start rollin’ away
When You come around
My heart starts to beat again
Lungs stretch to breathe You in
Souls just erupt into praise
15 Comments
Glory be to God for the joy He showers upon you.
Amen, amen Anna. We give thanks for Joy. Thanks for the reminder and also for gracefully teaching us the Word of God so simply yet so thoroughly. May God continue to give you Joy even in the small things and may He continue to hold you in the palm of His hand🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
This is very encouraging. The Holy Spirit indeed reminds us what the word of God instructs and makes these teachings practical in times like this. He teaches, comforts and strengthens in times of need. Yes the joy of the lord is constant not necessarily in happy moments. It’s not dependant on our circumstances.
Yes indeed! May He continue being good and oh so faithful to you, Dave & Maryanne💖 🤗🤗
Dear Anna Maria: you make us supremely proud of you. For your faith and trust in the Lord. You are testimony to God’s grace. God’s love.
I really like the notion that scripture verses becomes our prayer in seasons of healing, when no words can express the pain then comforting ourselves with the after life (and our journey as Christians is a good way of holding onto the bigger picture).
Anna , I am so glad to see that you have become stronger despite the storm you are currently facing . Indeed weeping may endure in the night but joy comes in the morning . My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time .❤️
Praise to God.,
This is power-full.
I am happy to see how the Joy of the LORD is working in you as a force. This must be supernatural. May this carry you, David and Maryanne in this season and beyond.
It is well my dear sister. God knows best and I know that Ed is still watching over us as our guardian Angel his laughter and charm still fresh in our minds and hearts. May God give us all understanding and strength. Wisdom to know him more and love him all the way. May God’s promises come to pass in our lives. I love you dada. For always
What a beautiful definition of joy. Indeed it is not about us but keeping our focus on God our Maker.
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to look at new things you postÖ
True the joy of the Lord is our strength…. remember him with good things and good times you had.. thanking God for him.. brings you joy.. and joy in abundance… more so his word… May theord be your strength 💪 forever..
Truly the strength of human soul is the knowledge of God. May the sense of His presence give you peace and comfort in your hearts.
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