We are aware that we have to work hard to achieve certain things. If we want to be healthy we must have a healthy diet, exercise, sleep well, and do other common sense things to achieve our goals. If we want to obtain financial security, we need to exercise certain disciplines and work hard. Yet, there are some things that we cannot generate from within or with any degree of effort. Peace comes from within when we place our trust in the sovereign God. He gives us the eternal love that we seek, but again this comes from placing our faith in Him.
James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” We cannot generate joy when we are troubled. It must come from God’s power within us. This kind of joy is spiritual, enduring, complete, trusting the Lord who is sovereign over all things.
Reluctant Retiree 