Joy in Hard Places
Whenever
she was unable to take my phone call, my friend’s voicemail recording
invited me to leave her a message. The recording cheerfully concluded,
“Make it a great day!” As I reflected on her words, I realized that it’s
not within our power to make every day “great”—some circumstances truly
are devastating. But a closer look might reveal something redeeming and
beautiful in my day, whether things are going well or poorly.
Habakkuk wasn’t experiencing easy circumstances. As a prophet, God had shown him coming days when none of the crops or livestock—on which God’s people depended—would be fruitful (3:17). It would take more than mere optimism to endure the coming hardships. As a people group, Israel would be in extreme poverty. Habakkuk experienced heart-pounding, lip-quivering, leg-trembling fear (v. 16).
Yet despite that, Habakkuk said he would “rejoice in the Lord” and “be joyful” (v. 18). He proclaimed His hope in the God who provides the strength to walk in difficult places (v. 19).
Sometimes we go through seasons of deep pain and hardship. But no matter what we’ve lost, or wanted but never had, we can, like Habakkuk, rejoice in our relationship with a loving God. Even when it feels like we have nothing else, He will never fail or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). He, the One who “provide[s] for those who grieve,” is our ultimate reason for joy (Isaiah 61:3).
Habakkuk wasn’t experiencing easy circumstances. As a prophet, God had shown him coming days when none of the crops or livestock—on which God’s people depended—would be fruitful (3:17). It would take more than mere optimism to endure the coming hardships. As a people group, Israel would be in extreme poverty. Habakkuk experienced heart-pounding, lip-quivering, leg-trembling fear (v. 16).
Yet despite that, Habakkuk said he would “rejoice in the Lord” and “be joyful” (v. 18). He proclaimed His hope in the God who provides the strength to walk in difficult places (v. 19).
Sometimes we go through seasons of deep pain and hardship. But no matter what we’ve lost, or wanted but never had, we can, like Habakkuk, rejoice in our relationship with a loving God. Even when it feels like we have nothing else, He will never fail or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). He, the One who “provide[s] for those who grieve,” is our ultimate reason for joy (Isaiah 61:3).
Joy in hard moments is truly tough. I usually need support from those in my life that speak truth because its so hard to sometimes stay an upper through tough circumstances! The first-thing that comes to mind is health. Whenever there is a heath problem in my life or someone i care about i worry and have a hard time seeing the brighter side and I get so nervous about end results. Today I want to choose to trust God and pray those nerves away. Breath in His strength and power and trust and lean into those hard moments.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma is going through a very difficult time right now, mourning her husband, my grandpa. They were married 76 years and she cant remember a time when he wasn't part of her life. She has always been my spiritual mentor and guide to Jesus so it is very difficult to see her suffering. It is one thing to know that you will see your loved ones again in heaven and quite another thing to be joyful when going through the grief process. Thank you, Jesus, for guiding us through our darkest hours.
ReplyDeleteWhen these times hit, I pray for "joyful sorrow". Joy in the hope that is to come, and recognizing that sorrow can help me draw closer to Him.
ReplyDeleteWhen difficult times come, it is easy to become numb, especially when the difficult times go on and on... We can choose to come through the pain and see the bigger picture and with that comes joy. "Joy in the morning (mourning!) shall be mine!"
ReplyDeleteOften those critics of Christianity state that Christians have a polyannie mentality and chose to ignore or make light of hardships. Quite the opposite I feel. Christians face the reality of a fallen sinful word and rather than excuse this fact, face it head on by bringing it to cross of Christ. The Joyful christian is not delusional but rather their inward joy is seperate from the circumstances they may be facing.
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