Hill Country Bible Church

Within the Storm

Posted: Oct 17, 2009 by Chris Bowers

I’ve been struggling a lot lately with joy. The Bible speaks repeatedly of the Christian life being marked by joy. It also has a number that speak of suffering and trials. The Christian life is a paradox, apparent contradictories that actually express a truth. It seems as though talks of idolatry are constantly surrounding me, from the book the staff is reading, Idols of the Heart, to Eric’s sermon a couple weeks ago to just random conversations. I am constantly being made aware that my joy is not being found in Jesus. John Piper says, “The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever.” I confess that I fail at that on a consistent basis. My head struggles to understand the truths of God and how they all fit together all the time. Most days I know my salvation rests secure in the hands of Jesus. It’s one of his promises to us. My life has and continues to be transformed by Jesus. Sometimes I seek pleasure in things other than God because I’m a sinner and think they will better satisfy me. Sometimes I can’t figure out how to find my joy in God and sinfully seek to just find some happiness.

The Apostle Peter says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:6) Here is the paradox laid out in one very complex verse. We rejoice (to be glad, to find delight) and we are grieved by various trials. I don’t write this from the other side of the storm looking back and seeing the footsteps where God has carried me. I write this from in the storm trying to grasp for joy.  I write this holding fast to the words of the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11) I will again praise God, my salvation. I hope that if you find yourself lacking in joy that you hold on to that promise until your heart feels it. You, too, will again praise God.