Similarly, life’s dark struggles make Christian joy more intense and our praise more glorious!
Why? Joy is an expression of Godliness. Joy is a sure sign of the presence of God in our lives. As children of God we have many things to be grateful for. I have ten toes, I’m grateful. I have my sight, I’m grateful. I have a bed, I’m grateful. I can breath on my own, I’m grateful. Health and life are given by God therefore I’m grateful. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)! But no matter the circumstances we are called to be joyous. So if I lose a toe, wear a glass eye, sleep on the floor, and develop asthma, I am going to deliberately choose to praise God’s name because it is the perfect will of God for my life (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Sometimes when we are depressed and don’t feel like being Christian, its easy for us to give up. In dark moments when praising God seems too hard and joy seems impossible, let someone else help you. Put on some worship music and let the praises fall off your lips. Better yet, put on some gospel music! Bust out some Kirk Franklin, Martha Munizzi, and Fred Hammond any day and I’ll show you a simple rule: when we glorify God in the midst of our trials, we become a beacon on light in the dark world around us.
Great info!