WEBVTT 00:00:04.639 --> 00:00:09.119 If someone hasn't already said it to you today, you are loved. 00:00:09.519 --> 00:00:10.800 You are seen. 00:00:11.199 --> 00:00:18.399 The trials that you are facing, the pain that you may be experiencing right now, it's hard and it's real. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:30.879 As we begin our time of prayer today, I simply want to remind you that just as the pain is real, so too is the love, care, and deep concern of your Heavenly Father. 00:00:31.199 --> 00:00:33.840 He wants to remind you of his joy. 00:00:35.119 --> 00:00:36.320 Remember this. 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:39.280 Joy doesn't deny that pain exists. 00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:43.119 Rather, it declares trust in God. 00:00:43.600 --> 00:00:49.600 Even trials can become places where faith grows and joy is refined. 00:00:50.799 --> 00:00:55.359 James 1, 2 and 3 says, consider it pure joy. 00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:02.880 Whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 00:01:04.560 --> 00:01:11.519 Take 20 seconds to thank God that He is growing you, even through trials that feel uncomfortable or confusing. 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:35.439 When we face hard things in life, they can be awe-consuming. 00:01:35.760 --> 00:01:40.480 Our vision for the future can get blurred, and tunnel vision can set in. 00:01:41.120 --> 00:01:45.120 Let's take a moment and step outside of our circumstance. 00:01:45.439 --> 00:01:50.079 Lift our eyes up and ask God what he is doing. 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:55.760 Take 30 seconds and ask God to help you see hardship through his perspective. 00:01:56.000 --> 00:02:02.319 Invite him to grow perseverance and joy in your heart, even though it may seem distant. 00:03:42.319 --> 00:03:45.120 We trust you and choose joy. 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:46.159 Amen.