Joy

Is it possible to be happy in the middle of difficult circumstances?

God’s Response

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad . . . you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory. 1 Peter 4:12-13

When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity. Hebrews 10:34

It may not always be possible to be happy, but it is always possible to have joy. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances; true joy is lasting because it is based on God’s constant presence and comfort. If you base your happiness on circumstances, there will be many times when you will not be happy; but when you trust God with your life, you will begin to understand that your troubles are part of an epic story that has the happy ending of eternity in paradise with God. This knowledge will help you to have joy even in the worst of circumstances.

God’s Promise

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2