Finding Joy in Tough Seasons
Life sure has its tough seasons, and some are tougher than others. During hard times, joy may feel elusive or even out of reach. Does it seem impossible to experience joy or peace during sorrow or struggle? Yet, the Bible assures us that we can find joy in the tough seasons. God’s laws a.k.a. commands provide many benefits including encouragement and strength for each new day, plus a roadmap to joy during tough seasons.
The psalmist shows us that Godly people are happy people. It’s those committed ones who make the will of God the rule of all their actions. I am not saying a perfect, jolly life all the time, but a state of inner joy through the tough stuff. So what’s the secret of this joy? A heart devoted heart to God’s Word will discover His voice that soothes the soul and provides joy like nothing else can.
Dive into Psalm 119 to Find Joy
1.Delight in God’s Word
“Your statutes are my delight; they’re my counselors” (Psalm 119:24, NIV).
One way to find joy in the tough seasons is reading scripture with intention. The psalmist describes God’s Word as a source of counsel and comfort. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we align our hearts with God’s perspective lifting us above our immediate struggles. This chapter in Psalms encourages us to delight in God’s Word because God is all-sufficient, perfect, and trustworthy. Furthermore, the one who follows God’s law will find wisdom and pure joy that unfortunate circumstances cannot steal.
So how do we delight in God’s word? We must be intentional. Like any other discipline, you need a plan.
- Schedule your Bible reading on your planner every morning
- Find a special quiet place without interruption
- Start with prayer, then meditate and memorize scripture.
These steps will change your mindset. You will be armed with emotional and mental strength to fight negative thoughts and opposition. The constant filling of God’s Word floods your heart with joy increasing your love for Him and others. You will be drawn to this incomparable refreshing each day with a craving to dive deeper and learn more.
2. Remember God’s Faithfulness
It’s natural to focus on the negative circumstance at hand, but the key to finding joy in tough seasons is reflecting on God’s faithfulness throughout the Bible and from your own experiences. Can you recall a time when God came through for you with miraculous provision?
“I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them” (Psalm 119:52, NIV).
Allow me to share a personal story of God’s faithfulness. One October evening years ago, my mother was rushed to the hospital. I was in crisis mode with care giving responsibilities for my mother-in-law, Aunt, and a sick daughter at college 600 miles away. Solutions were needed fast for home transitions, doctor visits, and many other decisions. I was faced with the impossibility that my mother’s home would never sell. My family members were pessimistic, and in the logical sense they were right, but a strong indignation of hope surrounded me. I knew God would provide the buyer for this home.
I diligently sought Jesus for answers, and He gave me peace that I can’t explain. My heart was flooded with encouragement to keep on believing for the answer to come. I received a call on Mother’s Day. The woman’s voice was heightened with positivity, “Stephanie, I have a buyer for your mother’s home!” Oh, the joy of knowing that this was nothing short of a miracle. I will remember His faithfulness always.
Seek God Wholeheartedly
Have you ever decided to go all in with God? Experiencing His faithfulness and following His ways will propel you to go after Him with your whole heart. And when you do, you’ll encounter His presence like never before and find joy in the tough seasons. God wants you to open your whole heart especially on days when you don’t feel like it. During my family crisis season I prayed earnestly and sincerely with my whole heart, and He filled me with peace, joy, and answers. I knew He was right beside me. As you fix your every thought on God’s direction, you too can experience the joy of His presence. Keep praying and follow the steps He puts before you. Here’s a deeper extension for your daily plan that can provide the beautiful joy of God’s presence:
- Journal your thoughts and prayers during your morning devotion time
- Be still and listen for His voice
- Shut out all distractions and be present in the moment
Quieting down your voice and mind is a challenging practice, but here you’ll find an awesome awareness of His presence that you will crave. Remain in a state of expectancy for His promises of joy, love, and peace to come alive in your life as you seek God with your whole heart.
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” (Psalm 119:10, NIV).
The Path to Freedom
God’s commands are the path to freedom. Knowing you are living out God’s plan is the most joyful place to be. God never said following Him would be easy. It’s a curvy path of many ups and downs, but obedience is the key to finding joy in your darkest moments. One sure way to embrace His commands is by obeying them. He commands us to love one another promising joy to overflow in our hearts. Embracing God’s commands is love in action. God directs us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Helping someone else in great need even when it hurts, could be just the opportunity to discover joy. You may start out feeling discouraged, but just like the psalmist who followed God’s path we too can find freedom.
Look for Opportunity to find Joy in the Tough Seasons
God placed a joy opportunity in our path when a lady from church was in desperate need. Her husband was suffering with cancer in the hospital. On top of numerous visits, she was completely overwhelmed with household duties and upholding her husband’s business. God tugged at our hearts to help her, but honestly, we were not thrilled to be inconvenienced with our busy lives. I know that sounds selfish, but it’s the truth.
Upon arriving at her home, the pool was green, and we noticed the weeds popping up all through the crevices of the pool deck. My heart began to soften as I knelt down to weed. Suddenly, God’s tender love engulfed my heart and I was completely overwhelmed with compassion for her. God’s beautiful presence came over me, and my heart softly whispered, “true transformation will occur when we help others in their darkest time. That is worship to me.” Swiftly, a butterfly landed right next to me.
This intimate heart connection with Jesus happens behind the scenes as we embrace His path. It may appear as a surprise in your darkest moment, or on an ordinary day. The closer you walk with Him, you can anticipate a deep joy and heart transformation to occur. No wonder why the Psalmist urges us to run in the path of Gods commands so we too can experience boundless freedom and joy.
His Joy Completes You
On this road of life, we are either going to choose to be bitter or better. God’s way will teach us to trust Him in every valley or mountaintop. I implore you—run to Jesus. He wants a deep relationship with you. He is all about joy, love, and peace. God’s law may overwhelm you, and what some have said is true, he that reads it considerately; it will either warm him or shame him. (Matthew Henry Commentary) But when you taste and see His goodness, His joy will complete you.
“Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path” (Psalm 119: 127, 128, NIV).
Material things, work, success, fame, people—nothing else can fill the void of an empty heart. A close relationship with Jesus, not religion, will transform your heart, mind and soul. You will long for Gods commands and find joy in the tough seasons.
Search for yourself and discover all the precious promises laid out for you in God’s Word. And as you trust this path of freedom, you will be a conduit of joy to those people lucky enough to meet you. And if you desire guidance or prayer, please reach out to me. Always remember: Your troubles are temporary, but His joy is eternal.
“The greatest commandment is this, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).