Counting All as JoySample

Well with my soul

When facing the headwinds in life, a sense of contentment and joy may seem elusive. Honestly, sometimes "adulting" and the admin of life can be about all we can handle. In these times, the apostle Peter reminds us of the power we possess in our words and in our actions: as children of God, "speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies" (1 Peter 4:11 NLT). Standing with Jesus, we take back authority from the opposition we face, finding our sense of well-being, peace, contentment, and joy in Him, rather than trying to use our own strength to calm a raging storm or waiting for the storm to subside.

Some things in life may never be "right" this side of eternity, yet it can be with a joy-filled heart that we can boldly sing, "It is well, it is well, with my soul"("It Is Well With My Soul" by Horatio Spafford and Phillip Bliss). Meditating on scriptures, like the one below, or finding your own that speak to the situation you’re in, can stir your soul and fill your heart with courage.

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing" (James 1:2–4, NLT).

Written by NATALIE BENNETT