So, even though I have been a Christian for 14 years and have sat under amazing biblical teachers, at times I feel like such a novice when it comes to the word of God. As I have been going through this season in my life facing major surgery people always say how strong I am, or I seem so calm etc. It got me thinking, why is that? Should I be more nervous? Should I be upset? Of course at times I am going to be and that is natural but why am I not wringing my hands with worry or saying woe is me this is just too much. Why am I not bitter or angry or depressed? Well, I have had my moments, especially in the beginning when I felt like someone just punched me in the gut and said “Hey, you have cancer!” But I know I had peace and here is how I did. It’s a little formula:

Joy + Wisdom = Peace

Simple right? YES! It is simple, all you have to do is put it into action. Just like someone who wants to get physically fit needs to put a plan into action (healthy eating + exercise = physically fit) you need to have a plan in place to be spiritually healthy as well. You CAN stop waking up every day, looking at your doom and gloom situation, your diminishing bank account, your so called friend that betrayed you, your tired achy body and still have peace.
You need to put into place a formula to have peace – Joy + Wisdom=Peace.

All you need to do is take a good look at Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi and learn all about Joy! He mentions joy/rejoice 16 times in this short 4 chapter book of the New Testament. Chapter 4:4-7 has a passage many are familiar with and was actually the first verse I learned as a new Christian:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Rejoice Always = Peace
Paul lived with a past that could have haunted him for life. He spent the first part of his life persecuting Christians! He put them to death! In Acts chapter 9 we read about the transformation of Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus. His life was transformed through Jesus and it began an incredible journey preaching the gospel all over the region. During that time he was imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked and so much more all for the sake of the gospel. Even through all that he continually had joy.
Joy is not a feeling, it is not just being happy for a short time. There are things that make me happy like cooking a great meal. Nothing makes me happier than getting in the kitchen, creating a great dish and sharing it with my family. But that happy feeling is but for a moment. Once the meal is done and the kitchen needs cleaned up, not always so happy lol. But joy is different. Joy is a deep down feeling when you are secure with who you are in Christ Jesus. We read in Psalms where it says Sorrow my last for a night but Joy comes in the morning. The pains, sadness, depression etc. are temporary but Joy is everlasting through Christ. We are to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials knowing that it will produce endurance! (James 1:2-3)

When we go through trying and challenging situations it is not always easy to think clearly or rationally. I think back to when my daughter Katie was in a horrific car accident last summer. She was hit on the rear panel, spun around and then flipped 3 times! When I met the ambulance at the hospital and they brought her out on a stretcher with that big orange contraption around her head to hold it in place I really freaked out…..no I didn’t lol. From the moment I received the phone call I had peace. She said to me “mom, you are being so calm.” And yes I was calm but not really understanding why I was so calm but I was. I almost felt bad that I wasn’t more upset or worried. Sometimes I think to myself “I really should be more upset in this situation but I’m not.” Only through the wisdom I have from God’s word in the bible can I have that peace. Sometimes God will keep us at peace to help us think clearly and stay rational for the sake of those around us. I knew she was scared and upset, I knew her fiancé was going to be scared and upset once he got to the hospital so God kept me calm. Later that night, during some quiet time with the Lord I had my cry. A peaceful cry with my savior.

Proverbs is a great place to camp if you are looking for words on wisdom. Proverbs 3 (I won’t post it all but please open that bible app and read it!) has a great deal to say. Here are just some excerpts:
5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Biblical wisdom is knowing what the Word of God says concerning every situation, every aspect of your life. Wisdom is that still small voice, the gut feeling, the I know what I know to be true feeling. If you lack wisdom, James tells us to just ask God for it and He won’t be upset that we are asking. He wants us to ask, He wants to help! However, it goes on to say, when you ask you must believe. You can’t be double minded. Stand on the Word of God and believe what it says. It’s ok to throw your hands up in the air every once while in distress but remember that God will never leave you nor forsake you. When you can get to a place where every time something crazy in your life happens, your first thought will be “what does God’s Word say about this”.

So remember, Joy is a choice. If Jesus is your savior you should have Joy! Your eternal destination is heaven! Wisdom is found by reading and studying the Bible. If you are going to fight against the things that come against you and try to bring you down then you need to be armed with the Word of God!
Coming to a place of Joy and filling yourself up with the knowledge and wisdom of the Bible will surely give you peace in your heart. And when situations arise that are not so peaceful, you will have the tools to face them!