Practical Steps for Finding Joy Through Trials

Life's trials can shake our faith and leave us questioning God's plan. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk faced similar struggles, as explored in the sermon series "When God Doesn't." Through Habakkuk's journey, we can learn practical steps to maintain faith and find joy in God, even when circumstances seem dire.

Habakkuk 3:2 says, "Lord, I have heard the report about you; Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds." When facing trials, it's crucial to remember and repeat God's faithfulness. Reflect on how He has seen you through past crises and strengthened you. This practice of remembrance transforms our perspective on current challenges.

Practical Application to Help You Remember and Repeat:

• Keep a "Faithfulness Journal": Each day, write down one way God has been faithful to you in the past.
• Create a "God's Promises" playlist: Compile songs that remind you of God's faithfulness and listen to it during challenging times.
• Share testimonies: Once a week, call a friend or family member and share a story of God's past faithfulness in your life.

Initially, Habakkuk questioned God's plan. However, he eventually shifted from doubt-filled interrogation to faith-filled requests. We, too, can move from questioning God to requesting His intervention with confidence. Pray for personal revival and for God to make Himself known through your trials.

Practical Application to Help You Move from Questioning to Requesting:

• Practice the "Question to Request" exercise: When you catch yourself questioning God, immediately rephrase it as a request. For example, "Why aren't You helping me?" becomes "Please show me Your help in this situation."
• Set up "Request Reminders": Use your phone or sticky notes to remind yourself to make specific requests to God throughout the day.
• Join or start a prayer group: Meet regularly with others to turn your questions into collective requests to God.

Habakkuk 3:3-4 describes God's splendor: "God comes from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covers the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise. His brilliance is like light; rays are flashing from his hand." True revival comes when we seek God's presence above all else. Through prayer and fasting, we can surrender to God and access His hidden power. Remember, our greatest need is for God Himself, not just relief from our circumstances.

Practical Application to Help You Embrace God's Presence:

• Implement daily "Presence Pauses": Set alarms for 2-3 times a day to stop and acknowledge God's presence for a few minutes.
• Create a "Presence Corner" in your home: Designate a specific spot for quiet time with God, free from distractions.
• Practice "Presence Walks": Take regular walks, focusing on experiencing God's presence in nature and your surroundings.

Habakkuk learned to "quietly wait for the day of distress" (Habakkuk 3:16). While waiting for God's intervention, we can choose to worship. This act of faith often becomes the breakthrough we need. Worship reminds us that God never changes, even when our circumstances do.

Practical Application to Help You Worship in the Waiting:

• Develop a "Waiting Worship" routine: Choose 2-3 worship songs to play every morning while you get ready for the day.
• Start a "Worship and Wait" group: Meet weekly with friends to worship together while waiting on God's answers.
• Create "Worship Art": Express your worship through drawing, painting, or writing during waiting periods.

In Habakkuk 3:17-18, the prophet declares: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!" We, too, can choose joy by celebrating who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised. This joy becomes our strength to persevere through trials.

Practical Application to Help You Choose Joy:

• Begin a "Joy Journal": Each night, write down three things you can rejoice about, no matter how small.
• Implement "Joy Breaks": Set aside 5 minutes, 3 times a day, to deliberately rejoice in who God is.
• Start a "Joy Challenge" with friends: Encourage each other daily to find joy in God, regardless of circumstances.

Habakkuk concludes with a powerful statement: "The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!" (Habakkuk 3:19). God may not always change our circumstances, but He will strengthen us to overcome them.

Practical Application to Help You Choose Joy:

• Memorize strength verses: Choose 5 Bible verses about God's strength and memorize one each week.
• Practice "Strength Declarations": Start each day by speaking out loud three ways God is your strength.
• Engage in "Strength Training": Pair physical exercise with meditation on God's strength, reinforcing the connection between physical and spiritual strength.

As we face life's challenges, let's follow Habakkuk's example with these practical steps. Instead of walking away from God or giving up, draw near in worship. By actively remembering His faithfulness, requesting His presence, and rejoicing in His unchanging nature, we can find strength and joy even in the midst of trials.

Remember, God's presence is truly what we long for most. As you implement these practices, you'll likely find your faith increasing and your ability to trust God growing stronger. Let your story become one of faithful worship, pointing others to God's glory through your trials.

Challenge for the Week:
Choose one practical application from each of the six sections above. Commit to implementing these six practices daily for the next week. Journal about your experiences and share your journey with a trusted friend or small group.

By actively engaging in these practices, you'll be walking with God through your trials, just as Habakkuk did. Your faith will be strengthened, your joy will increase, and you'll be better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way.

This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone on September 29, 2024, as part of the When God Doesn’t series. You can watch the full message here.