The joy of life to us should be the joy Christ brings – in His Word, His goodness, His mercy and patience, His blessings (both spiritually and physically) with thanksgiving, and in His children, our brothers and sisters, as they walk in the truth and in love. This is where the faithful find true strength.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:2

When the night comes, the soul can still find immense joy in the LORD. When suffering picks up and confusion sets in, the soul patiently waits and finds joy in uniting its suffering with the church and with Christ. Our flesh cries out, but our souls wait patiently in affliction. In our abandonment by the world, the soul finds joy in the presence of God. The joy of the Lord can sustain you through the most difficult times. It was the joy of the saints while under persecution and martyrdom in the world. It wasn’t by sheer toughness that they overcame those trials, it was through their joy in Him who was everything to them.

The LORD can lift us up from our lowest lows. His compassion extends over everything He has made, and His mercy is made new every morning, so great is His faithfulness.

Bless the Name of the Lord and the joy He brings us! Amen.