Monday Morning Prayer: The Long-Time Belief

A Thought

I’ve discovered something about myself… and it feels a little crazy to say I don’t think I’ve truly believed in joy. I think I’ve become so used to facing life’s struggles that, in some ways, I’ve worn them like a badge of honour. Almost as if suffering made me “better”… More faithful… More righteous. And without realising it, I think I made pain an idol.

I made it seem okay to live a life without joy. Without hope. And that, my friend… is not okay. The truth is, hardships do shape us. They form us. They grow us.

But even Scripture says to count it all joy when we face trials. Which means — even in hardship, joy is possible. And I’ve started to notice it in the small things…Even in the music I listen to — it’s deep, slow, sometimes sad. There’s little room for joy. Little space for lightness.

And I’m starting to realise… I don’t think that’s the life God wants for me.

There’s a truth I’m coming to accept: What once served me… no longer serves me.

And that requires courage. A different kind of bravery. Because to move forward to become who I’m called to be I need to embrace hope.

Not just hope, but joy.

And not just joy… But a deep, unshakable joy and peace.

This is just one thing in my life I’ve realised I need to lay down.

What about you?

What belief have you carried for so long, a belief that was once necessary… once true for a season…But now no longer serves you?

What is your thing?

A Scripture “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

— James 1:2 (NIV)

A Prayer  Dear Lord,

Would You reveal the lies we have come to believe about our lives?

Would You uncover the truths that have been twisted and have hurt us?

As we come before Your throne of grace,

May we come with surrender, with openness, and with willing hearts.

Holy Spirit, work in us and through us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See you next week, Monday…

Until then, be KIND.

By Ben White