Let me consider the intimacy of spiritual joy only possible through trials and struggle, Lord. Though my faith is weak in seasons of prosperity, untested as it is during those times, the inevitable troubles come that faith might be strengthened by usage. It is an unremarkable thing to trust You, Lord, only when healthy in body and secure in mind. When all that I touch is profitable and I have not a care in this world, do I not find myself caring more of the world than of Your Kingdom then? Faith that is true has been tried. Let me hold to Your faithfulness and unfailing love when all other loves fail me. Infuse me with spiritual joy that is inexplicable. When my heart has been depressed and my misery multiplies, let me run to You. Make my faith a heavenly rooted one that laughs in the face of adversity and welcomes the strain that will only prove its worthiness. Glorify Yourself in this manner, Lord. May it work patience, perseverance, peace, and hope in my heart that such virtues in their growing state honor You. In this way alone I am enabled to consider it joy amidst the showers of calamity. Under the canopy of Your Word in Galatians 5:22-23 and the authority of Christ in whose Name I pray, I commit this petition with a contrite heart.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23, ESV
