There Can Be Joy Despite Your Troubles - In the Evening When I Rest
There Can Be Joy Despite Your Troubles
Lord, when trouble comes, what hope will bring me joy?
Walk along the path of my commands, for that is where your happiness is found. When you call on me, I will answer; I will be with you in trouble.
Psalm 119:35; Psalm 91:15
How can I be happy about my troubles, Jesus? What does that mean?
Because of the joy awaiting me, I endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now I am seated in the place of honor beside my Father’s throne. Because of your faith, I have brought you into this place of undeserved privilege where you now stand, and you can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing my glory.
Hebrews 12:2; Romans 5:2
What can I pray when I lose sight of the eternal joy awaiting me?
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in you, LORD! I will be joyful in you, the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Happiness alone isn’t the goal of our faith. Happiness is too elusive to be the basis of our trust in Jesus. Our faith is based on the eternal love of God and the work of Jesus on the cross. This is what allows us to experience joy despite our troubles. What problem are you facing right now? Frame your own prayer using the words of Habakkuk 3. Insert your own troubles and words into this prayer and focus on the desire to find joy in God as your hope and helper during this time. For example: Even though _________, yet I will rejoice in you, Lord!
