Sometimes life is hard. It just is. There is the grief of emotional loss. There is the pressure of responsibilities. There are health concerns and disappointed hopes and crushed dreams. You gained weight when you were trying to lose it. You gave up three walks when you had a chance to strike them out. Another day is over and again it is too late to hope for a good night’s rest. Sometimes life is hard.
But things will get better!
It won’t stay dark forever—the sun always comes up. Work will ease up. You will get some rest and have some fun and recharge your batteries and feel refreshed. Don’t let temporary burdens steal your joy. Sure, it’s a cliché, but remember: tough times never last, but tough people do!
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning!” Psalm 30:5.
Are you struggling? Don’t give up! Your joy will return, no matter how hard this is, or how long you have suffered. When Israel was released from Babylonian captivity, they could not believe their joy.
“When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream. Our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with joyful shouting…. Those who sow in tears, shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall come again with a shout of joy, bringing his harvest with him” Psalm 126:1-2, 5-6.
The good times are easy, right?
What we need to know is how to handle the bad times.
It’s simple: GRATITUDE.
Count your blessings. Rejoice. Thank God for EVERYTHING He has done and everything He is doing and everyone in your life. Thankfulness changes your attitude as dramatically as humility—everything in your life looks different through the lens of thankfulness. And gratitude brings true joy. “In everything give thanks” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Thank you, God, for the challenges that draw us closer to You. Remind us to practice thankfulness in all things.
ΑΩ
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