I Will Rejoice Anyway, Trials will always exist

 ^"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" ~Philippians 4:4

It is easy to say rejoice in the Lord when all things are good. But what about those times when things are bad? How do you rejoice in even this? It is learning to trust and lean in on God. Believing He alone is enough whatever the circumstances. Knowing beyond a doubt that He is there, for you, and lives in you.

Most of you know my "thorn" is various health issues. I have been fighting this awful staph infection for six months now. It is painful and on my face so it is not easy to hide. For six months I have tried fighting it different ways but nothing has worked so far. Thankfully I see a dermatologist next week and I hope with their knowledge of skin issues they will be able to help. However, my hope is in Christ alone.  I will rejoice in Him. My circumstances never change who He is. He is everything to me. 

This morning I woke up with a painful, swollen lip from this stuff. Plus my stomach is very weak from it. It may not seem like a big deal to you but to me it feels like another defeat. So I cried out to God in it. He gave me His peace. I have this quiet assurance that He is with me and He delights in me. I am learning contentment with Him alone. Nothing else matters. Nothing. Sure good health makes things easier but all I want is Him.

Trials have a way of forcing us to make a choice. Will we draw close to Him or will we turn from Him? It is a choice that is personal. Only you can make it for yourself. I chose to draw nearer still. May these trials deepen my relationship with Him. I will wait in Him. 

How about you? Are there any present trials you are enduring? Are you drawing near or pulling away?