Online Devotions: Joy In Hardship

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Joy In Hardship

May 28 (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Though the fig tree should not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (ESV)

It does not always work out the way we want. Sickness comes. Death takes a loved one. Accidents happen. Loss occurs. Lies, betrayal, and pride take their toll on us, even when we have done what is right. The Christian faith, more than any other program of thought or philosophy, is a realistic way to handle the inevitable setbacks and hardships of life.

Christians rejoice in the Lord and take their joy in the God of their salvation. They do not ignore suffering or pretend that it is less painful than it is, but in times of sickness, we find joy in the Lord. In death we rejoice in Him. In every moment or extended seasons of distress, we praise Him and find our life and hope in Him.

How is that possible? Why should we respond to difficulties in this way and not in the countless ways the world offers? It is simple. This is what Jesus did. He faced execution for what He had not done, and yet He kept His gaze focused on His Father. And He is the One Who came back from the dead and offers His power to all Who accept Him. When it comes to tragedies of my life or even the daily discomforts, I am going to do what He did.

Lord, You are the source of my joy. In You I live and move and have my being. I can find life nowhere else, so help me to stop seeking it there. May I be valiant in hardship because of You, the source of my salvation. Amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.