{"id":6887,"date":"2025-04-21T17:04:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T21:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=6887"},"modified":"2025-06-07T14:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T18:05:15","slug":"kept-day-and-night-even-when-we-feel-unprotected-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=6887","title":{"rendered":"(In the Moments) Mustering Our Faith"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have a friend who\u2019s gone through a hard year. He\u2019s a believer, but a key relationship in his life dealt him a devastating blow. Heart wrenching betrayal and rejection have left him feeling weak and vulnerable. He admitted that his circumstances have caused him to doubt God\u2019s love for him, and even to wonder if He even exists at all.<\/p>\n

These kinds of life altering events can render us feeling so sad, we\u2019re hardly able to function. They can include losses of jobs, material possessions, and relationships. Or medical diagnoses which radically change the course of our lives.<\/p>\n

How do we muster our faith in times like these?<\/p>\n

Mustering Our Faith<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Muster<\/strong>\u2013to assemble troops as for a battle, to gather, to summon, to rouse<\/em><\/p>\n

Regularly, we have repeated opportunities to gather and summon our faith. Like working out in the gym, rousing our trust, when things aren\u2019t smooth, builds muscle memory and strengthens our faith.<\/p>\n

How do we muster our faith when we feel weak and God seems distant? Following are a few musts<\/strong><\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We <\/strong>Must<\/strong> Remember God\u2019s Sovereignty<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

God is always in control. Nothing can thwart His purposes. He\u2019s able to work all things together for His greater purposes. [1] Even the very hard situations we face are no surprise to God. His power transcends human sin, worldly corruption, and evil designs.<\/p>\n

Joseph told his brothers that they had intended him harm, but God had used it for good, saving many lives. [2]<\/p>\n

God used Jonah\u2019s disobedience to elicit praise from the folks on the ship to Tarshish. [3]<\/p>\n

The Jewish leaders\u2019 evil plan to kill Jesus resulted in the salvation of humanity.<\/p>\n

God has entrusted us with each circumstance we\u2019re in and desires us to trust Him and not lean on our own understanding. [4]<\/p>\n

We <\/strong>Must<\/strong><\/em> Orient Our Lives from God\u2019s Greater Story<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Paul tells believers that since Christ raised us up, we should set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. [5]<\/p>\n

An eternal perspective reveals God working for our ultimate benefit. He\u2019s working all things to conform us into the image of Christ, not for us to experience a smooth ride. [6] It\u2019s vital for us to understand this. If not, we can view God as a distant dictator, out to destroy our hopes and dreams.<\/p>\n

We need to live now with the end in mind. This life centers on emulating Christ, not mere temporary happiness. For we died and our lives are now hidden in Christ. [7]<\/p>\n

We <\/strong>Must<\/strong><\/em> Realize Being with<\/em> God is Our Highest Joy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The Bible has an overarching theme, woven into the fabric from Genesis to Revelation. God with<\/em> us.<\/p>\n

David confidently stated that the shadow of death could not make him afraid, as he believed in the presence of God with<\/em> him. [8] He also wrote that in God\u2019s presence, joy is full. [9]<\/p>\n

\u00a0After crying out to God concerning the unfairness of life, Asaph concluded that God\u2019s nearness was his good, not his lot in life. [10]<\/p>\n

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul urged us to rejoice in the Lord. Not just when we feel like it, but always. [11]<\/p>\n

We <\/strong>Must<\/strong><\/em> Remember God\u2019s Love for us Never Fails<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

No matter how often we fall short in actions and faith, God\u2019s love for us never fails, it\u2019s everlasting. [12] His lovingkindness never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. [13]<\/p>\n

\u00a0Before creation, God established us as His children. Nothing can separate us from His great love. We can describe His love for us as deeper, wider, longer than an ocean, and higher than the heavens. It surpasses our ability to comprehend. [16]<\/p>\n

Challenge<\/span><\/h3>\n

What current challenges make you doubt God\u2019s love or even His existence?<\/p>\n

Talk to God about these things. That\u2019s what David and other Psalmists did. If you journal, write them out. If not, talk to God about these things out loud. He wants us to bring our cares to Him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The \u2018musts\u2019 above are not exhaustive, but they may help you muster your faith. Try them.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Prayer<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Lord, we come to You now. You know the place we\u2019re in. You\u2019re not surprised by any of it. You\u2019re with us and have allowed all things for our greater good. Help us not to doubt Your ways. May we draw near to You and walk in utter dependence upon You. You never intended us to face these things alone. We depend upon Your strength in our weakness. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n

And He said to me, \u2018My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.\u2019 Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ\u2019s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2nd Corinthians 12:9-10<\/strong> NASB)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Do not\u00a0fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.<\/em> I will strengthen you, surely\u00a0I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous\u00a0right hand (Isaiah 41:10<\/strong><\/em> NASB).<\/span><\/p>\n

[1] Ephesians 1:9-12<\/p>\n

[2] Genesis 50:20 (NASB)<\/p>\n

[3] Jonah 1:14-16<\/p>\n

[4] Proverbs 3:5-6<\/p>\n

[5] Colossians 3:1-2<\/p>\n

[6] Romans 8:28-29<\/p>\n

[7] Colossians 3:3<\/p>\n

[8] Psalm 23:4<\/p>\n

[9] Psalm 16:11b<\/p>\n

[10] Psalm 73, 73:28<\/p>\n

[11] Philippians 3:1, 4:4<\/p>\n

[12] Jeremiah 31:3<\/p>\n

[13] Lamentations 3:22-23<\/p>\n

[14] Ephesians 1:4-5<\/p>\n

[15] Romans 8:35<\/p>\n

[16] Ephesians 3:14-19<\/p>\n

Other posts in our series\u00a0In the Moments<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

As Sea Gulls Fly<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

It is Finished<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Behold the Moments<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Tranquility<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Stop Striving<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Simplicity In Christ<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

What is Good<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Yet Will I Rejoice<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Exploring Grace and Joy together<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay Present My Friends<\/a><\/p>\n

Quiddity. It Could Change Your Life<\/a><\/p>\n

The Cake Maker\u2019s Blunder<\/a><\/p>\n

God at Work (No Trespassing)<\/a><\/p>\n

Hidden with Christ in God<\/a><\/p>\n

Finding Joy in Love and Relationships<\/a><\/p>\n

Escaping the Rat Race<\/a><\/p>\n

When I don\u2019t Feel God\u2019s Loving Kindness<\/a><\/p>\n

Experiencing Completeness in Christ<\/a><\/p>\n

Overcoming Pain Through Faith<\/a><\/p>\n

Recalibrating Our Hearts<\/a><\/p>\n

The Joy of Waiting<\/a><\/p>\n

On the Fifth Day God Created Dog<\/a><\/p>\n

When Things get Really Hard<\/a><\/p>\n

A No Lose Situation, Even with Cancer<\/a><\/p>\n

Hey Pop<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Subscribe to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\n

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Robby Buck<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n

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Nonfiction books by the Author:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn\u2019t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God\u2019s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It\u2019s not just a good idea, it\u2019s vital to our journey as human beings.\u00a0Rhythms of Joy<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Novels by the Author:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?\u00a0\u00a0Beyond Time<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family\u00a0Hope Remains<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

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Please Check out the\u00a0\u00a0Cola City Podcast<\/a>\u00a0. Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The post discusses a friend facing deep personal turmoil following a betrayal, leading to doubts about God’s love and existence. It emphasizes the importance of mustering faith during difficult times, arguing that regular engagement in faith is akin to building muscle. Key steps to strengthen faith include remembering God’s sovereignty, orienting life towards God\u2019s greater purpose, recognizing the joy of God’s presence, and understanding the unfailing nature of His love. Suggestions to cope with challenges include journaling and prayer. Ultimately, the text conveys that joy is rooted in God, transcending life’s tribulations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2101,2102],"tags":[2119,2113,2083,1507,1857,1007,420,2092,423,2107,1824,411,2076,616,873,326,698,2105,1972,1718,2005,1049,2114,2032,2078,343,2095,2106,2085,1305,2115,2017,1500,945,1414,170,39,1491,58,851,1047,1600,2103,1050,510,2111,2116,7,950,419,1934,2118,2109,2108,2012,1072,2104,2117,318,307,1807,774,1946,1557,1938,2087,1851,1215,2112,1307,1990,1063],"class_list":["post-6887","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strengthening-our-faith","category-when-god-seems-distant","tag-2-corinthians-129-10","tag-asaph","tag-brought-near","tag-circumstances","tag-colossians-33","tag-comforter","tag-complete-joy","tag-completely-righteous","tag-courage","tag-courageous","tag-covid-19","tag-death-row","tag-debtfree","tag-delight","tag-delight-in-god","tag-difficulties","tag-discouragement","tag-disunity","tag-draw-near","tag-empty-ourselves","tag-enduring-joy","tag-ephesians-14-5","tag-ephesians-19-12","tag-eternal-god","tag-eternal-seperation","tag-eternity","tag-experienced-joy","tag-faint-at-heart","tag-forgiven","tag-forgiveness","tag-genesis-5020","tag-god-with-us","tag-gods-greater-good","tag-gods-greater-purposes","tag-gods-image","tag-gods-love","tag-gods-nearness","tag-gods-perspective","tag-gods-presence","tag-gods-taking-care-of-me","tag-grasping-gods-love","tag-greater-purposes","tag-isaiah-4110","tag-jeremiah-313","tag-jesus-christ","tag-jonah","tag-jonah-114-16","tag-joy","tag-joy-in-his-presence","tag-joyful-heart","tag-keep-close","tag-lamentations-322-23","tag-muscle-memory","tag-muster","tag-our-highest-joy","tag-overflowing-joy","tag-pandemic","tag-philippians-31","tag-philippians-44","tag-psalm-1611","tag-psalm-234","tag-psalm-7328","tag-refreshment-in-god","tag-romans-828-29","tag-satisfied-with-christ","tag-saved-by-his-life","tag-sealed-with-the-holy-spirit","tag-strengthen-faith","tag-tarashish","tag-the-blood-of-jesus","tag-the-holy-spirit","tag-trusting-god"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6887","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6887"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6887\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7116,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6887\/revisions\/7116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6887"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6887"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6887"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}