Keep on Being Glad

   “I am going to keep on being glad, for I know that as you pray for me, and as the Holy Spirit helps me, this is all going to turn out for my good.”  Philippians 1:19 TLB

   I have many favorite Bible verses, but the one above holds a special place in my heart because it has gotten me through a lot of hard times.  Every time I read it, I am reminded of the Lord’s precious promise in Romans 8:28 (NLT), which says: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  That means that even if the devil succeeds in messing up our lives or circumstances somehow, God will bring good out of it in a way that only He can.  We can rest assured that just as the Lord has a plan for our lives, He has a plan for every circumstance we will ever face – and His plans are always to do us good, not harm. (Jeremiah 29:11)

   I believe that it is absolutely essential for us to cooperate with God during our tests and trials.  The apostle Paul gives us some insight as to how we can do this when he writes: “I am going to keep on being glad, for I know that as you pray for me, and as the Holy Spirit helps me, this is all going to turn out for my good.” (Philippians 1:19 TLB)  While there is no substitute for seeking God in prayer on our own behalf, having fellow believers stand in faith with us can be a tremendous asset.  If our trials are long and unrelenting, there may be times when it is difficult for us to pray in faith, and those are the times when it greatly benefits us to have other faith-filled believers interceding for us.

   Paul goes on to mention the importance of our dependence upon the Holy Spirit for help.  If we try to get through our trials in our own wisdom and strength, we will fail miserably.  But if we rely on God’s guidance and grace, we will position ourselves for the Lord to direct our steps in the paths of victory.  Scripture says: “If anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and He will give it!  He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures, but He will overwhelm your failures with His generous grace.” (James 1:5 TPT)  Hallelujah!

   Notice how Paul says he’s going to “keep on being glad.”  He knew that he didn’t have to wait for his deliverance in order to be joyful.  As soon as he began trusting God to bring good out of his situation, he became filled with a sense of hope that produced abundant joy.  Paul’s words in Romans 15:13 (NIV) bear this principle out: “May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

   Over the years, my family and I have witnessed time and time again how God can bring good out of even the most heartbreaking experiences.  We have learned that when we put our trust in the Lord and maintain a hopeful attitude in adversity, He can turn our trials into triumphs.  No matter what you are going through today, please know that God can supernaturally bring good out of it somehow.  And He will do exactly that if you will adopt an attitude of the heart that declares – “This is all going to turn out for my good!”

   Lord, when I am in the midst of heartbreaking circumstances, help me to turn to You in prayer, and show me who to seek out for prayer support.  Teach me to rely on Your Spirit, and to trust You in a way that will enable me to wait for my miracle with joy.  Thank You for working all things out for my good, and for Your glory!

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