Day 5 of Happiness

Today’s word comes from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

This verse is so powerful (and is also spoken in the song for today). This verse has describes how I’ve felt in relation to the events of my life but what’s most important is what is not happening according this verse.
- I am NOT crushed
- I am NOT in despair
- I am NOT forsaken
- I am NOT destroyed

Because of Christ, I don’t have to dwell on what’s going wrong for it will pass. And no matter how hard pressed I feel, I won’t be crushed. You see, there’s issues on every side of me applying pressure. Yea, it’s a very hard pressing but as I press back with prayer and God’s word, I become stronger because I am applying pressure to pressure. You have to understand this issue with Ray is a lot bigger than just Ray. It takes me back to lots of other concerns of mine and this focus on “Happiness'” is a way to combat that which can drive me insane. I’ve seen people get crushed by life’s circumstances. I’ve seen people grow into bitter black women because life wasn’t too good to them.I recognize a drama free life wasn’t promised to us but it’s up to us – to me - to combat that with that which is stronger, God’s word. God’s word is what’s going to get me through these difficult times to come.

I’m writing this so I can have something to refer back to. Something positive to life my spirits in the time of need.

Yes, I am perplexed – confused- but not without hope.
Yes, I am troubled but God says he’ll never leave nor forsake me.
Yes, I am hit, but there is not blow strong enough to destroy me.
God’s word is so powerful.

Along with tonight's study goes a beautiful song that talks about trading off the bad for the good. It’s by none other than my favorite – Israel and New Breed. Here’s the words:

 

I'm trading my sorrows
and I'm trading my shame,
and I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.
I'm trading my sickness,
I'm trading my pain,
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.

I'm trading my sorrows,
I'm trading my shame,
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.
I'm trading my sickness,
I'm trading my pain,
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.

Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord.
Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord.
Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord, Amen.

I am pressed but not crushed,
persecuted not abandoned,
struck down but not destroyed.
I am blessed beyond the curse,
for His promise will endure,
that His joy is gonna be my strength.
Though the sorrow may last for the night,
His joy comes with the morning.

I'm trading my sorrows,
I'm trading my shame,
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.
I'm trading my sickness,
I'm trading my pain,
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord.

Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord.
Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord.
Yes, Lord, yes, Lord,
yes, yes, Lord, Amen.

Wake up, joy is here.

Interesting how the song also goes along with Day 1 – JOY!