#beJOYfulSample

Be Joyful When Life is Difficult

I enjoy baking cakes. One thing I’ve learned while experimenting with different recipes is that there are a few basic ingredients that can’t be easily changed or substituted if you’re going to achieve the perfect cake. For example, all cakes need a liquid whether it’s milk or water. The liquid is essential because it helps bind the dry ingredients together and contributes to the formation of the basic structure. In life, difficulties are an essential ingredient because they contribute to the formation of our Christ-like character.

When we encounter difficulties, we tend to want God to immediately make everything better. But through His word, God holds us and tells us, “Don’t give up. Grow up.” The Bible, especially the Psalms, is full of notes from God to us encouraging us to persevere. God desires for us to embrace His grace and strength instead of running away or looking for the easy way out.

In Romans 5:3, Paul tells us to rejoice when we run into problems and trials because we know that they help us develop endurance, character, and hope. Notice the word “know.” That is the game-changer. Paul knows the key to rejoicing during difficulties is what we know about God.

We know that God loves us. We know He is with us always. We also know that He is faithful and more than able to bring good out of bad. When life is difficult, we can have joyful confidence because we can trust God to be at work in our struggles. God can use trials as instruments of training to prepare us for what is ahead of us. Our troubles are not catastrophes but rather catalysts God uses to develop our endurance, character, and hope.

Here’s a truth to treasure: A life of joy is found in keeping company with Jesus, not a life void of difficulty. We can be joyful, even when life is difficult because we know God loves us. And because He loves us He gives us indescribable joy, calming comfort, and overflowing peace in the midst of difficulties.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for being with me in my trials, and for helping me to grow through them. Often, I feel anything but joy in the middle of trials. Open my eyes to help me see these hard times as tools to strengthen me and bring me to a new level of maturity.

Reflect: What are some things you’ve learned about God and yourself while you were going through a time of trouble? How have those lessons helped you grow spiritually?