DH and I had dinner with the in-laws last night at their place, and in their bathroom (random, yes) his Mom always has this book called “N.ew D.ay N.ew Y.ou” by Jo.yce Me.yer as reading material. I decided to flip to the day’s lesson, and it struck me as something I sorely needed a reminder of lately. Enjoy…
September 9
Producing Patience, Character, and Hope
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope.
— Romans 5:3-4
It is easy to say, “Don’t worry.” But to actually do that requires experience with God. I don’t think there is any way a person can fully overcome the habit of worry, anxiety, and fear and develop the habit of peace, rest, and hope without years of experience. That’s why it is so important to continue to have faith and trust in God in the very midst of trials and tribulations. It is so important to resist the temptation to give up and quit when the going gets rough – and keeps on getting rougher over a long period of time. It is in those hard, trying times that the Lord is building in us the patience, endurance, and character that will eventually produce the habit of joyful and confident hope.
Amen. Well said.
Wise words from my alter-ego. Pessimistic impatience is my worst character trait, I fully support your effort to embrace those words. I will be so very very impressed and probably try to rub myself against you in hopes that it would have some effect on me.
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Thanks Jos…I needed that today. xoxo
Here is something you may find interesting: I am pretty sure that I heard that "Do not worry/fear/be anxious/etc." is written throughout the Bible 365 times. One for every day of the year- amazing, huh?!?!?!?~Jesshttp://bringingyoumorethanasong.blogspot.com/
So true. And well said. I guess that's why she's Joyce Meyer :).
This is a great thing to try to keep in mind when things in life get stressful. Your MIL has some very inspirational bathroom reading material!!