Joy in Hard Times (Daily Refresh, 2-10-26)

Nobody enjoys suffering. It’s hard to find joy in the midst of trials or difficult seasons—it’s much easier to feel sadness or misery.

That’s why Paul’s encouragement in Romans 5 may sound contradictory. Paul was writing this to the church in Rome experiencing suffering from ungodly rulers, and yet he encourages them to rejoice in their suffering. 

It wasn’t enough to just endure suffering—he tells them to have joy. Paul knew that it wasn’t natural to be joyful in hard times, but through the work of Jesus, Christians have peace with God and access to faith (Romans 5:1-2). Faith allows us to hold onto the hope that suffering isn’t the end of our story. 

Because we know that God works within our difficult situations, we can have patience and perseverance for God to complete His work. Perseverance refines our character. As we wait on God, we become people who look more like Jesus, and our trust in God grows stronger. This increases hope within us. 

It’s not easy to have hope when you’re suffering. But as we trust in God, we are strengthened to continue to endure. When we look at suffering from God’s perspective, we begin to realize that He is working to bring glory to Himself in every situation.

God has shown us through the Holy Spirit that He loves us. He suffered and gave Himself for us so that we could have a relationship with Him, and He will continue to give us everything we need to live a life that honors Him.

So consider how God is working in your life, even through difficult seasons. Think about the ways God has poured His love into you through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for strength to persevere, and let that perseverance develop into a strong character that hopes and trusts in God even in hard times. And when persevering gets difficult, hold onto this truth: God has given everything for you, and He will never leave your side.

My Thoughts

Hallelujah! The last word in my life, the only one that matters is from God! That last sentence means so much to me. Persevering has been difficult; a broken foot in September and wearing a heavy boot until mid-November; shoulder pain starting in December; a poor report from my rheumatologist; and generally fatigued from constant lack of sleep. I am not complaining, my friends, but I am laying out the facts of what I have been dealing with for the last six months. But…God! I am holding onto God’s truth with everything I have. He has already given it all, and He promised to me right there with me. There’s a hymn I would like you to look up and listen to that the Holy Spirit just reminded me of as I was typing. It’s called “Through it All.” We used to sing this song in a small church in South Carolina. At the time, I am sure that I just sang along, thankful that my “all” hadn’t been so bad so far. Now, I can say that even when it is bad, I “have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God.” He is my hope, my stay and the reason that I can persevere.

This is another week of medical appointments, with physical therapy twice, my kidney doctor today and ortho tomorrow. My sweet husband takes me to all of my appointments, waits for me outside or, in the case of ortho, goes in with me to hear what is happening with my shoulder. Please keep him in your prayers, too, as he faithfully walks through these trials with me. I appreciate your prayers, but I know that no matter what the test results show and the diagnosis/prognosis is, God is in control. He has never left me in the 50+ years since He came into my life and I am confident that He never will.

Whatever you are going through, please take time to rest in His presence and soak in His love. That will help you, as it helps me, to get through the next thing. Nothing, not one thing, can separate us from the Father’s love! And that is where the joy is!