Full of Joyنموونە

How to Have Joy Even Through a Painful Season

Okay. You’ve learned that joy comes from knowing who God is and remembering His character as you live His way. You also learned that Jesus brought great joy for all people by making a way for us to be forgiven of all our sins and make friends with God! 

You’ve learned that joy isn’t the same thing as happiness. You’ve learned that joy lasts, based on understanding that God is with you even when you’re not in the greatest mood ever. 

But what about very bad days? What if we should even lose someone we love? There certainly wouldn’t be happiness on a day like that. But could there still be joy even in a truly awful, painful season? 

Watch this video for more on this important topic. 

Joy really can be experienced in any situation. Joy reminds us that God is near. Joy reminds us that pain isn’t forever. Joy doesn’t avoid pain or numb it. But it does bring a full appreciation for our blessings even in the middle of our hard times. 

Jesus rejoiced, even during all the sorrow He saw around Him, and even through the suffering He experienced when He died on the cross (as you read about yesterday in Hebrews chapter 2). Joy reminds us that our trials test our faith and make us stronger. 

Joy accepts pain. And joy also helps us let it go.

Ask yourself: What is there to be thankful for even if I should have a day when my heart is breaking? 

Challenge yourself: You guessed it—grab your journal and write today’s date in it. If today is a day of heartbreak for you, may you feel God’s joy encourage you as you write your answer to today’s “Ask yourself” question. See if you can think of three things to write down. If today’s a good day, then write a few things you want to remember to be grateful for even on a really, really bad day. 

Pray: God, thank You for giving me joy that reminds me that You are with me, always. Thank You for helping me to accept pain when things are truly bad. Thank You for reminding me that pain isn’t forever. I’ll be together with You one day. That gives me joy every day! Thank You that Your joy also helps me to let go of my pain when it’s time. In Jesus’ name, amen.