Most Generous Lord, You created joy and laughter because You want Your people to be happy and enjoy their life. This does not mean that I will never face difficulties. I live in the world and encounter trials, struggles and problems. As a result of giving control of my life to You does not make me immune to suffering. What You promised is to stand with me and give me the strength I need to endure what I face. Not only do You want me to be able to withstand my tests, but to find joy in the middle of them. The scriptures provide me with an example of You “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame.” The positive that comes from suffering is that it produces perseverance and patience. Even in the middle of my struggles and hardships, I can rejoice and break out in a laughter that sustains me. Your Word assures me that “the joy of the Lord is my strength.”
The strength and endurance I get from You comes from trusting in You and Your love. They replace the cares of the world. You provide me with rest whenever I get anxious about the things going on in my life. When I seek Your joy, I trust that You will provide it so I can bear my pain. Even in some of my toughest times You want me to hold fast to the belief that You are working things out in accordance with Your will and perfect timing. Because You have done so much for me in the past, I am filled with elation as I reflect on them and it carries me though my ordeals. I believe in my heart that it is Your desire that I experience joy in the things I go through in my life. You just want me to look for them. I am to avoid the things of the world because they do not give me true happiness or fulfillment. Instead, I must seek the righteousness, peace, and joy that is found in interactions with the Holy Spirit.
You encourage me not to become upset or lose faith when I encounter tribulations and, instead, count on You to stand with me and energize me with Your joy. I want to be filled with only the elation that You alone can give. When facing difficult times, I seek the joy found in Your promises and the many times You have come through for me. I want my life to be a display of joyful anticipation of Your will working things out and filling my life with good. I can never thank You enough for all that You have done for me. Never let me forget the many times and ways You have been faithful when I encounter struggles. And remind me of the times that my connection to You has produced joy in my heart and have kept me going when I wanted to quit. Fill my life with laughter and shouts of joy so I can put on display the happiness that comes from belonging to You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them so that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.