"13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
As believers we can have joy through all things, that does not mean that we don't cry, feel sad, even deeply discouraged, but that we ignore the feelings and continue on to do what we should until the feelings pass.
The deep down joy is a part of our flesh and bone and can never leave us, even if the emotions cloud it at times.
The joy comes from the knowledge that we are obeying God no matter what the circumstances. And, when the sadness, tears and discouragement leaves the joy emerges reminding us that the joy is permanent and real and the feelings are temporary and flimsy without substance.
Focus on Christ and nothing without substance will stick to us. Our actions and attitudes will be the same no matter what our feelings are doing.
1 Corinthians 15:58
"58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
James 1:12
"12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [a]been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
James 1:2-4
"2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [a]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [b]endurance. 4 And let [c]endurance have its perfect [d]result, so that you may be [e]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Psalm 112:7
" He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."
Acts 11:23
"23 Then when he arrived and [a]witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;"
Galatians 5:1
"5 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."
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