Find Your Peace & Joy

Maybe you have found yourself (like me) feeling daunted by all of the change that

has occurred - in daily life, in our country, in the world. It is a LOT to comprehend

and try to deal with! If I’m honest, even on my very best days, pre-covid, just

normal circumstances, I had plenty of struggles within myself, and I am still

learning to ask the Holy Spirit for His help each day!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the

power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13

It can sometimes feel impossible to me to try to find joy and/or peace during

tough times. I struggle greatly with this; it’s easy for me to be overwhelmed by

hardship or feelings of helplessness. Do you ever feel that way?

But I have felt God trying to reassure me that joy and peace come from hope in

Him. There is HOPE to be found through our faith in Him! Our daily

circumstances affect us greatly, there is no way for them not to. But there is so

much to be gained in knowing our Savior and knowing that He loves us – that He

is victorious – that He is our Helper and Friend. He walks through life with us!

It may seem basic, but this is something that I have to remind myself of over and

over and over again. I need daily reminders to look to Jesus. Daily time in the

Word is something I strive for, and I am trying to keep up with the One Year Bible

this year. I’m so grateful for our pastors who teach from the Bible each week and

help me to better understand it. And when I’m willing to share my struggles with

others, often we’ll have some common ground and are able to encourage each

other with a fresh perspective. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the

countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

I pray you find great HOPE in the Lord today!

Mary Venable

Do you struggle with finding hope/joy/peace in your daily circumstances? How

can I pray for you? Please feel free to respond...