Choosing Joy: Trusting God’s Plan Through Hardship

“Fear not, O land;

Be glad and rejoice,

For the Lord has done marvelous things!

Joel 2:21

the Book of Joel: A Break Down

In the book of Joel, verse 21 of chapter 2 reminds us to rejoice despite the hardships we have been through! Taking into consideration the whole context of the writing in Joel, we understand that gladness and joy are a choice.

A Landscape of Misery and Mourning

“All the trees of the field are withered,” draws a picture of the wasteland that is described to be the land of Israel in chapter 1. “The seed shrivels… storehouses are in shambles; barns are broken…how the animals groan.” “Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men” as well. This is the opening picture, the landscape of misery and mourning that the land of Israel is facing.

The Power of Fasting and Faith

Yet, Joel repeatedly calls for the people of Israel to fast—not just once, or twice, but three times. I don’t think it’s important that we fast a specific number of times because honoring God and sacrificing to Him should be limitless. However, the mention of fasting three times may signify the relentlessness and faith we should have towards God in His goodness towards us.

Often times, we may not have the right state of heart, filled with unforgiveness, anger, hatred and envy. In Isaiah 58, God outlines the way to fast that honors Him—not to put on an outward show for accolade and self-praise, but to empty our hearts in truth of all the ugliness for God to redeem and heal.

A Call to Repentance

Joel continues in chapter 2 to repent unto the Lord.

“Turn to Me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping,

and with mourning.” verse 12

“So rend your heart, and not your garments.” verse 13

This is the second mention of fasting, and the third commands a call or decision to fast as a community; and this time God answers because of the change of heart of Israel.

The Promise of Restoration

So, after a time of weeping, after a time of loss and mourning, God promises to restore all the food and grain that has been barren for a season. And this is where we see Joel 2:21, the command to be glad and rejoice. The promise came, therefore we rejoice, therefore we praise, therefore we are glad in the faithfulness that God will deliver because He is Lord.

“He is not a man, that He shall lie” Number 23:19.

And so, it is in God’s promise of deliverance that we rejoice in our hearts before the promise is fulfilled.

Prayer for Joy and Deliverance

Father God, who is in heaven;

Thank You for Your kingdom, thank You for Your deliverance, thank You for Your everlasting covenant and faithfulness to Your children.

You have redeemed our suffering and allowed us to forgive fully with the remittance of sin of others towards us. So that we can receive Your forgiveness of all our sin towards You God, our Father.

Because we have surrendered to Your will, and our hearts have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we believe in Your promise that our life is restored.

You are NOT a man, that You shall lie. But You are faithful because of YOUR Goodness. And in believing in Your faithfulness, help us to rejoice in our confidence in You.

Thank You YAH.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

for any questions or concerns

COACH DEE

Online Personal Trainer CPT: ACE & Trauma Informed Weight-lifting

About the Author: Coach Dee

Deborah Park, known as Coach Dee, is the owner of Drip Training LLC and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach with a background in architecture and kinesiology from the University of Virginia. With years of experience in physical therapy settings and fitness coaching, Coach Dee pairs her expertise with a steadfast commitment to honoring God in her work. Her faith is the foundation of her approach, helping individuals strengthen their bodies and renew their minds through biblical principles and disciplined action.

Coach Dee’s perspective is shaped by her own testimony of perseverance, including recovery from a life-altering car accident that led to PTSD and chronic pain. She now encourages others to overcome their trials by leaning on God's Word and His unwavering promises. Through her writing and coaching, she seeks to inspire readers to pursue strength, resilience, and a deeper relationship with Christ as they navigate life’s challenges.