How do you find joy in difficult times?
One year ago, I was in the eye of a hurricane. Trouble and sorrow surrounded me personally and professionally. Friends and family had severe illnesses and catastrophic circumstances. During this time, I wrote:
Never in my life have I seen so much trouble around me, and in turn, never in my life have I prayed so much. God is absolutely using this season of sorrow and challenges to teach and mold me to be more like his son.
I don’t think a day has passed in the last year that I’ve not reflected on those tumultuous times. When various painful memories come back, I find joy in pausing to be thankful that those events are in the past. It was as though I was trapped or in a prison but now set free. God heard and answered my prayers, he rescued me, and he was faithful throughout. He revealed himself in mighty ways and continues to do so. May I never forget.
God has always been in the rescue business. In today’s reading (Exodus 13-15; Psalm 114; Ephesians 3), not only were the Israelites freed from slavery, they witnessed incredible miracles. As they experienced their exit, they were led by God via a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night.
Just when things were looking great, God hardened Pharoah’s heart. The enemy is relentless and will not stop until the final day.
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. (Exodus 14:4)
Why did God harden Pharoah’s heart? Hadn’t the Israelites been through enough already? Just like the trials and tribulations in our lives, God allowed this to happen for HIS glory. God was preparing for the crecendo, the grand finale in this story. God always has a plan and his plans are always perfect. In the very same verse we are assured that God will be victorious. He won the battle before it even started, and that’s the same with his handiwork in our lives. All we need to do is trust and obey.
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)
And then it happened. Death to the enemy and salvation for God’s people.
28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. (Exodus 14:28-29)
All the Israelites had to do was be silent. Isn’t that how we should face our own troubles? What’s your “Red Sea” and what doubts do you have? Be silent. Pray. Listen. Trust. He’s got this. He goes before us and he stands by us. Death has already been defeated through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection so what do we have to fear?
Whatever you’re worried about today, let it go. Bring it to the altar, watch it burn, and let the joy return.
Reference from January 2023: Perfect Peace