How is it possible to have joy and hope when there is so much sorrow, pain, suffering and evil that surround us? We are forever in the midst of a battle from those who would try to steal our joy? We look around us and see people who are hurting. We listen to the news and realize that the days are truly evil. We look within and see the remnants of darkness within our own hearts displayed through moments of pride, jealousy, selfishness, and self-exalting desires. If we continue to look around at the world or look too long at ourselves, we might desire to resign in defeat. Some in this world seek to search for joy in alcohol, drugs, power, sex, money, relationships, philosophy, and various religions; yet, find themselves sinking deeper into depression and despair fills their hearts. But what about we who know Christ as our Savior, we who are in Christ? How do we deal with the paradox that is our life? How do we hold onto our joy in Christ?
Do you willingly, joyfully give to the Lord? Do you give to Him your tithe with a heart of joy, knowing that He is your provider or do you do it out of a sense of fear and duty? Do you look to him and proclaim, "thine is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty?" This is truly an issue of the heart. What about your time? I truly believe that we should at minimum give God 10% of our time with Him in Bible Study, prayer, service to God and praise. When you see someone hungry would you give them your lunch? Look at this scripture.
Loneliness is a state of mind where one feels isolated and often misunderstood. There seems to be no one who truly understands or shares exactly the feelings of the spirit and soul with you. No one understands or shares your agony, your sorrow, your joys, nor what you are trying to say. Loneliness is the intense realization that there is no other person who intimately knows one’s very thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, joys, tragedies, and there remains a constant search for just one person who might take the time to really know you and still love you. The existentialists believe that actually this is the plight of every human being ever born. That same search may lead to failed relationships, despair, constant running from one social event to another, drug usage, alcohol—anything to numb that feeling for a moment." What too often we do not see is
Everything is falling into place. The move is imminent and so quickly approaching. There is so much to do, so many details that still must fall into place. Many of those details are not within my control. As I gaze across the horizon, I would shudder at all the potential obstacles that could still arise. I look within myself and see all the inadequacies, the frailties, and wonder. Thus, I look ahead, around, within and want to see the end–cross that finish line of this adventure to embark on the future God has planned. There are still mountains looming in front of me and streams that must be crossed; yet, it all lies within the hands of God. Why is it that we humans or particularly this human at times wants to fret or worry about that which I have no control over? Why would I not just trust God with it all? Perhaps with my mind and my mouth, I declare that I trust; yet, there is a small area within my heart that fears? Do you ever find yourself doing that? Truly I believe that it comes down to two questions that you must ask yourself.
continue to look around at the world or look too long at ourselves, we might desire to resign in defeat. Some in this world seek to search for joy in alcohol, drugs, power, sex, money, relationships, philosophy, and various religions; yet, find themselves sinking deeper into depression and despair fills their hearts. But what about we who know Christ as our Savior, we who are in Christ? How do we deal with the paradox that is our life? How do we hold onto our joy in Christ? 
