Comments for Colors

Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by Christian M

Christian M — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:30:59 +0000

Of course. Learn the lesson and move on to the next. Every lesson becomes more subtle and refined until we are made light enough to soar.

Namaste’
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by AutumnWynd777

AutumnWynd777 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:12:59 +0000

The lesson stops at death.
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by PastorsRUs

PastorsRUs — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:53:59 +0000

I am sorry to say that it’s not being authentic if we have joy in our trials. They hurt, and there’s no getting around that. What we can rejoice in is that God promises to work all things for the good for those who love Him. What we can be encouraged by is scripture saying that he who endures to the end will be saved. Jesus did say to take up our cross and follow Him. He did not promise us an easy life, but I believe many, if not most will join me in stating that it’s totally worth whatever hardship we need to endure to be with God for eternity.

The above passage does point to the benefits of hard times: that they can grow us spiritually, and that indeed is reason for rejoicing. We become more spiritually mature through suffering. The key word is indeed mature. I believe that’s part of what the scripture means that Christ learned through suffering: persevering even though it hurts or will hurt for a greater goal or purpose. He learned what it’s like to be flesh. We follow Him, and that means when things are hard and when things are good.

Challenges grow us. God knows what we can handle and will continue to grow us now and, I believe, for eternity.
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by The Green Knight

The Green Knight — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:05:59 +0000

I’ll use the Wrench of Reason to fix the broken people ministering to broken people!
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by drfulkrumsinvisiblekneemachine

drfulkrumsinvisiblekneemachine — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:32:59 +0000

I am sure we can always use it if not to keep us humble, as Paul had his thorn in his flesh. Also, If we are ever aware of our sin. if we constantly critisize our actions, ourselves and are not blind to our sin, then we confess that to God, He doesn’t need to send the smack down on us. He only (most of time) sends us trials when we grow lax in our pursuit to reign over our flesh. But, I willingly suffer for trials and hardships in hopes that I can assume some responsibility for my sin and the pain and suffering that Christ endured on my behalf.
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by There is no T

There is no T — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:21:59 +0000

God wants us to be masochists?
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Comment on Christian: Is there ever a time when we learn to "joy in our tribulations" and no longer need that lesson? by Krad

Krad — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:51:59 +0000

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” – C.S. Lewis
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Comment on How can one experience joy in my Christian life? by pitybluesboy

pitybluesboy — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:39:59 +0000

I don’t know about you but my experience with Joy has been anything but Christian and my wife doesn’t want me to keep bringing up her name. Even if it was someone before we met, eh!
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Comment on How can one experience joy in my Christian life? by (TLS) Matthew 24:27

(TLS) Matthew 24:27 — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:58:59 +0000

Periods of sadness and depression can enter the life of even the most devout Christian. We see many examples of this in the Bible. Job wished he had never been born ( Periods of sadness and depression can enter the life of even the most devout Christian. We see many examples of this in the Bible. Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11). David prayed to be taken away to a place where he would not have to deal with reality (Psalm 55:6-8). Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from heaven (1 Kings 18:16-46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).

So how can we overcome these periods of joylessness? We can see how these same people overcame their bouts of depression. Job said that, if we pray and remember our blessings, God will restore us to joy and righteousness (Job 33:26). David wrote that the study of God’s Word can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). David also realized that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair (Psalm 42:5). In Elijah’s case, God let him rest for a time and then sent a man, Elisha, to help him (1 Kings 19:19-21). We also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). It may be helpful to share our feelings with a fellow Christian. We may be surprised to find that he or she has struggled with some of the same things that we are going through.

Most importantly, it is certain that dwelling on ourselves, our problems, our hurts, and especially our pasts will never produce true spiritual joy. Joy is not found in materialism, it is not found in psychotherapy, and it most certainly is not found in obsession with ourselves. It is found in Christ. We who belong to the Lord “glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). To know Christ is to come to have a true sense of ourselves, and true spiritual insight, making it impossible to glory in ourselves, in our wisdom, strength, riches, or goodness, but in Christ—in His wisdom and strength, in His riches and goodness, and in His person only. If we remain in Him, immerse ourselves in His Word, and seek to know Him more intimately, our “joy will be full” (John 15:1-11).

Finally, remember that it is only through God’s Holy Spirit that we can find true joy (Psalm 51:11-12; Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can do nothing apart from the power of God (2 Corinthians 12:10, 13:4). Indeed, the harder we try to be joyful through our own efforts, the more miserable we can become. Rest in the Lord’s arms (Matthew 11:28-30) and seek His face through prayer and Scripture. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-Christian.html
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Laugh Again, Paperback
By: Charles R. Swindoll
http://www.christianbook.com/laugh-again-paperback-charles-swindoll/9780849936791/pd/36799?event=AFF&p=1011693&

Comment on How can one experience joy in my Christian life? by PastorsRUs

PastorsRUs — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:46:59 +0000

Joy is a fruit of the spirit, so in being connected to and led by God the Holy Spirit, we can have joy, interestingly enough even in the midst of difficult times or suffering. There’s something about being and doing God’s will that leads to joy. It seems that the fruits of the spirit transcend the physical. The peace that passes all understanding is an example.
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