Pure JOY! (part 2)

I’m still pondering what “pure joy” looks like during seasons of trials because the command is contradictory to my natural tendencies.  But then I am reminded of the stories of countless people who have endured affliction, clinging to the hope that only Christ brings.  Here are just a few that come to mind:

Horatio G. Spafford- author of It is Well with My Soul

Fanny Crosby- author of Blessed Assurance 

Josh McDowell- Christian apologist

Chapmen Family- songwriter

But this is why I love the Psalms.  David (and others) cry out to God in complete honesty, declaring their frustration, misery and loneliness during the worst of times.   Don’t believe me?  Check out Psalm 13.  My first thought when reading this prayer: “Can we really pray like this?” Absolutely.