Day 2: Read Romans Chapter 8

Life is a struggle because of the sins dating back to Adam and Eve, but we shouldn’t lose hope. Everything good comes from God. He is good, and he is interceding on our behalf.

In Romans 8, Paul talks about the present sufferings and how they don’t compare to God’s glory that will be revealed. He states that although our creation is decaying and in bondage, God will liberate it and give us freedom.

Although your situation probably does not make sense right now, he is working all things out for the good of his children. He is on our side and has a big picture we cannot see. When Satan attempts his schemes, God can turn a bad situation into something beautiful. He can reclaim, refurbish, and restore any mess that we’ve made or any struggle we may find ourselves in. He forgives, redeems, and brings joy where there once was sadness.

In Romans 8, it says that God works for the good of those who love him. We are called according to His purpose and made in the image of His Son. We are predestined, called, justified, and glorified. What a beautiful realization of that truth. If God is for us, who can be against us? He gave his son for us and will graciously give us more. Christ Jesus, who died on the cross and rose on the third day, is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding for us and working out all our problems behind the scenes.

Nothing can separate us from his love, not trouble, persecution, famine, weapons, or danger. Through Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors. Neither life nor death, present or future, height or depth, or any powers can separate us from the love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord. What a glorious title to be called a conqueror, but again it’s through the source of power, Christ Jesus, that we have our strength. We are victorious in our struggle only because we belong to God and cannot be separated from his love. God is working things out for your good, and nothing can separate you from his love. Memorize Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Write and display it on a note where you will see it multiple times a day. This is a practical way to find joy in Christ today, regardless of your circumstances.

Day 1: Read Philippians Chapter 4

Life’s struggles can be overwhelming and will often fill us with despair. It is time to lift our eyes to our Maker and stand firm in the Lord. He made us in his image of strength. We have an outward gentleness and love for the world with an inner strength of perseverance because Christ is living within us. This is our hope and joy for the future, an eternity with Him. God gives us clear instructions not to be anxious but to pray. Many of us tend to worry, and that is our first reaction to a problem rising. Being anxious is not God’s plan for us. He will take on those burdens for us if we allow him to. Philippians 4 says to rejoice and show our gentleness to others. It then tells us not to be anxious but to pray, be thankful, and bring our requests to the Lord. In doing so, we can have joy and peace that transcend all understanding.

We can have His peace and joy despite our circumstances because God is faithful and comes through for us. God made us to be emotional beings. However, many times we will allow unhealthy emotions to simmer. Most of us are also on a constant hunt for comfort and happiness. While happiness is a fleeting emotion, joy can be found in Christ, regardless of our situation. He uses those difficult seasons to bring us closer to Him. Managing our thoughts and what we dwell on is the key to finding that unending joy. Philippians states to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

We need the God of peace to be with us. As the word tells us in Philippians 4, pray, guard your heart, and replace the anxious and worrisome thoughts. When struggles arise and negative thoughts creep into your mind, pray and immediately shift your thoughts to things that are of God. They are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. This is a practical way to find joy in Christ today, regardless of your circumstances.