In spite of what we reveal on Facebook, most of us have less joyous days than we do melancholy days. Life seems to offer us a problem or challenge at every turn; leaving us pressured and disheartened. But the trouble isn’t the issue that causes our discouragement. It’s the unknown.

We ponder questions such as, “How will my problem be resolved? Will I conquer this challenge or will it defeat me?”

Oh, if God would only let us peek into the future. Know the outcome. Foresee that we’re going to be okay in the end. Then, maybe our circumstances wouldn’t be so ruthless. We could actually breathe a shy of relief.

The thing is life is a mystery. We’re not supposed to know the conclusion. If we knew everything, why would we need faith? Why would we need God?

Our assignment is to live by faith. To lean on God and trust Him with the outcome.

It’s in the suffering that God reveals Himself to us. We realize He is faithful.

Good.

Present.

Merciful.

Beautiful.

Compassionate.

Powerful.

Provider.

Redeemer.

The outcome isn’t really about whether we’re okay or not. It’s about a personal discovery of God in the process.

When the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with no way out, God provided a way. He pushed back the waters to show them He was on their side. He was their Deliver! A God who could be trusted.

When the vicious storm, hurling winds and crashing waves tossed the disciples boat, they feared for their lives. But Jesus stood and spoke to the storm on their behalf.

“Quiet! Be still!” And the wind died down and became completely calm.

Looking to His disciples, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

He knew their faith was weak. So, Jesus utilized the incident to present Himself as trustworthy. All-powerful. Protector. And to declare His Majesty and Authority over all things.

The disciples, we’re told, were left amazed at Jesus. They didn’t say, “Whew! We’re alive!” No. They asked, “What kind of man is this that even the sea obeys Him?” It was a real faith-builder.

This is the end result God is after. That we would be utterly amazed by who He is and trust Him wholeheartedly.

Like the disciples, our faith may be weak. But the more we know Him the more we will trust Him. Our faith will replace the need to know the conclusion. We’ll realize God is for us and He’s got us. Nothing can touch us without going through Him first. And what trouble is bigger than our God? Absolutely none!

That kind of faith makes for a brighter, more joyous day and a deeper relationship with our God.

Doing laundry. Raising well-adjusted kids. Building a good relationship with my husband. So often I feel as if everything depends on me. And honestly, I doubt my ability to get it all done and do it all well. But I try and try. You know the routine. Before long I find myself not only frustrated and worn but discouraged and saddened. Life does that to a person. It can steal our joy

When I feel as if everything is my responsibility, I’ve forgotten to acknowledge God’s presence and power.

What do you do when you need help?

Where do you look for help?

How do you find new joy?

When the psalmist lifted up his eyes to the hills and asked, “From where does my help come?” he answered, “My help comes from the Lord” — not from the hills, but from the God who made the hills.

This verse reminds me that God is a mighty over all the problems of life; big or small. God is a tireless worker. He is my tireless worker.

We are prone to think of ourselves as workers in God’s life. But the Bible wants us first to be amazed that God is a worker in our lives: Take a look at Isaiah 64:4, “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts [or works] for those who wait for him”.

God never sleeps. He never takes a day off. He is working around the clock for you and me. The world doesn’t depend on us. We don’t have to be made of steel. Only trust and rely on God’s strength instead of our own.

God is so interested in working for us that he goes around looking for more work to do for people who will trust him: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)Even Jesus told His disciples He came to serve not be served.

I feel a shift in my heart when I walk outside, look up at God’s creation and remind myself of His greatness. Suddenly, I’m convinced nothing is too hard for Him and hope rises.

TODAY’S GIVE A-WAY!!

If you find yourself overwhelmed and under-joyed, my friend Tracie Miles has written a book called, Love Life, Again. She helps readers find the stumbling blocks to joy and offers the tools you need to take control of your life and own your happiness.

Today I’m giving away a copy!! Leave a comment below and enter to win a chance of owning a copy of Tracie’s book.

Plus, join thousands of others in an online bible study of Love Life, Again at Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies.

Take time to enjoy your life today.