Joy in Hardship

A lot of people are facing hard times right now. Even if we’re not personally dealing with hardship or strife, the concerns of our communities and our nation understandably weigh on our hearts. It’s enough to make us depressed at times and feel robbed of all joy.

But here’s the thing about joy. If we’re believers in Jesus, we can rejoice even in the midst of hardship. We can actually be glad even as we shed tears. Joy—the kind of joy God gives his children—is deeper than surface happiness. God’s joy is rooted in something good that is always present, even in times of hardship.

No matter what happens. No matter the trials or difficulties we might face. No matter the pain, the disappointments, the fears, or the setbacks. We have a God who is our Savior. Always. We have the Lord who is our strength. Especially when we’re weak. We have a God who lifts us up in hardship to carry our burdens and put the spring back in our step. We have a God who will not abandon us. He loves us enough to join us in our difficulties and carry us through.

Seeing God in the midst of trials helps us see something good. It helps us be rooted in something good, even as we shed tears. Seeing God brings joy. Much needed joy in hardship.

“Though the fig tree does not bud

    and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

    and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

    and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

    he enables me to tread on the heights.”

(Habakkuk 3:17-19)