Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 3-9

Are you burdened with the things of the world? Many things in the world can be overwhelming to us. Losing a job, finding a job, mortgage payments, rent, loan payments and a host of others. Working, eating, and sleeping take 3/4 of most peoples’ day. Family, worrying, watching tv, worrying, can easily take up the rest of the day. We can easily let the things of the world occupy us entirely and if we do, we will have no joy. Those who embrace the world will have fun, they might have pleasure, but they won’t have joy.

 Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

When we accepted Jesus Christ, we didn’t just accept a free ride to heaven, we accepted Jeshua Hamashiach, the lord of our lives forever, who saved us from sin forever. When we accepted the Jesus Christ we accepted the one who said “I will never you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. We are to look for spiritual things; the Lord will look after earthly things for us. We accept what is His will for us.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, we were not promised earthly pleasure, or wealth or fame, but we were promised eternity with Him and He would give what we need and would change us to be like Him.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, in as much as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. Philippians 1:3–7

The Lord sanctifies us through trials and tribulations. He gives us the strength to bear them.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ 1 peter 3:6-7

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

The Lord Jesus Christ died for you, He loves and cares for you. He wants you to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and enjoy His love and peace.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus . Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

I implore you: pray to the Lord, read his Word, ask Him to fill you with the joy and love the He has for you. He is waiting for you to cast all your burdens on Him.

Read the psalms at night or in the morning. They are filled are filled with His love for you. Psalm 5, 9, 16, 23, 46, 91, 121, for example. His Word will comfort you.

If you do not know the Lord, and you are reading this post you may want to read Become a Christian on this site, and contact us. We would love to hear from you.

_{Brian Pickup}