Replacing The Cactus of Suffering With His Joy | Part 5
From Suffering to Joy: Embracing God's Promise of Healing and Restoration
By Warren David Horak
When we walk in His Kingdom dimension, we will always manifest joy and peace no matter what is happening in our lives.
Today we look at why believers battle so much to walk in the fullness of joy. We will then discover how to enter His joy and abide there continually.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The Lord is saying to you today;
"You do not have to live any longer in that place of suffering!"
"I will replace the cactus of pain in your life with My Joy."
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Introduction
In life, we all experience seasons of suffering, whether it's physical pain, emotional turmoil, financial hardship, or relational struggles.
However, as believers, we are called to transcend these difficulties and walk in the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
The transition from suffering to joy is not an easy one, but it's a journey that God desires for us to take, and He has provided us with the tools to make it possible.
This teaching is not merely a collection of words; it is a revelation that has the power to revolutionize our lives, enabling us to walk in the fullness of God's Kingdom.
Brace yourselves, for we are about to uncover the secret to living a life overflowing with the joy of the Lord, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
The Cactus of Suffering and the Pursuit of Joy
In our fallen world, suffering seems to be an inescapable reality. Like the prickly cactus, it appears to be a constant companion, adorning our paths with sharp thorns that pierce our flesh and cause us to recoil in pain.
However, God's design for us is not a life of suffering but rather one filled with His boundless joy.
As we delve into the Scriptures, we discover a resounding truth: the Kingdom of God is not about mere physical sustenance but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
"for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17 NKJV)
The Command to Rejoice
Contrary to popular belief, joy is not a mere suggestion or an optional extra in the Christian life; it is a command from our Heavenly Father.
The Scriptures resound with this clarion call, echoing through the ages:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NKJV)
In the Old Testament, God's people were commanded to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering.
Deuteronomy 12:7 warns of the consequences of failing to serve the Lord with joy and gladness, highlighting the gravity of this command:
"and there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice in all to which you have put your hand, you and your households, in which the Lord your God has blessed you." (Deuteronomy 12:7 NKJV)
"Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything," (Deuteronomy 28:47 NKJV)
The Example of Paul and Silas
When we turn to the pages of the New Testament, we are confronted with the inspiring example of Paul and Silas, who embodied the true essence of joy in the midst of suffering.
Even in the depths of a Roman prison, with their bodies bruised and shackled, these men chose to sing praises to God, shaking the very foundations of their captivity (Acts 16:25-26).
Their joy was not contingent upon their circumstances but upon their trust in the living God.
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed." (Acts 16:25-26 NKJV)
The Key to Joy – Trusting in the Lord
As we journey through the Scriptures, we uncover a profound truth: the key to unlocking the wellspring of joy lies in our trust in the Lord. Psalm 28:7 declares:
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalm 28:7 NKJV)
When our hearts fully trust in the Lord, joy and praise become the natural outflow of our lives. Psalm 5:11 echoes this truth, proclaiming:
"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You." (Psalm 5:11 NKJV)
-Trust is the key to joy-
His Joy is our strength
Embracing Trials with Joy
The apostle James exhorts us to embrace trials with joy, for they are the crucible in which our faith is refined and our patience is forged (James 1:2-4).
This is not a call to find joy in the trials themselves but rather to rejoice in the knowledge that God is using these circumstances to mold us into the image of His Son.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3 NKJV)
The Transformative Power of Joy
Joy is not merely an emotion; it is a potent weapon that unlocks the transformative power of God in our lives.
When we choose to rejoice, even in the face of adversity, we align ourselves with the very heart of God, and He moves mightily on our behalf.
The joy of the Lord becomes our strength, enabling us to overcome the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable (Nehemiah 8:10).
"Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'" (Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV)
Conclusion
Beloved friends, we have journeyed through the Scriptures, uncovering the profound truth that the key to unlocking the wellspring of joy lies in our trust in the Lord.
As we embrace this truth and choose to rejoice, even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we will experience the transformative power of God's joy.
The path from suffering to joy is not an easy one, but it is a journey that leads us to the very heart of our Heavenly Father.
When we trust in Him with all our hearts, joy and praise become the natural outflow of our lives.
The cactus of suffering withers, and in its place bloom the fragrant flowers of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Let us choose, today, to walk in the fullness of God's Kingdom, abandoning the shackles of sorrow and embracing the freedom that comes from rejoicing in the Lord.
May our lives be a testament to the world, a living declaration that in Christ, we are more than conquerors, and the joy of the Lord is our eternal strength.
FAQ on "Suffering to Joy"
The key to finding joy in the midst of suffering lies in trusting in the Lord with all your heart.
When you place your unwavering trust in God, you acknowledge His sovereignty over your circumstances, and you find strength and joy in His promises.
Additionally, choosing to rejoice in the Lord, even when circumstances seem bleak, aligns your heart with His heart, and He moves mightily on your behalf.
The Scriptures command us to "rejoice always" (Philippians 4:4).
This means that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with the Lord.
While there may be moments of sorrow or grief, the underlying current of joy should be ever-present in our lives, as it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
By abiding in Christ and trusting in His promises, we can maintain a posture of joy, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Developing a deeper trust in the Lord is a journey that involves cultivating an intimate relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and obedience to His commands.
As you meditate on His faithfulness and His promises, your trust in Him will grow stronger.
Additionally, reflecting on past instances where God has proven Himself trustworthy can reinforce your confidence in His character. Consistently choosing to surrender your worries and anxieties to Him, and believing that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), will deepen your trust and lead to a life overflowing with joy.
