Joy in Hard Places
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 32–34; Mark 15:26–47
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Whenever she was unable to take my phone call, my friend’s voicemail recording invited me to leave her a message. The recording cheerfully concluded, “Make it a great day!” As I reflected on her words, I realized that it’s not within our power to make every day “great”—some circumstances truly are devastating. But a closer look might reveal something redeeming and beautiful in my day, whether things are going well or poorly.
Habakkuk wasn’t experiencing easy circumstances. As a prophet, God had shown him coming days when none of the crops or livestock—on which God’s people depended—would be fruitful (3:17). It would take more than mere optimism to endure the coming hardships. As a people group, Israel would be in extreme poverty. Habakkuk experienced heart-pounding, lip-quivering, leg-trembling fear (v. 16).
Yet despite that, Habakkuk said he would “rejoice in the Lord ” and “be joyful” (v. 18). He proclaimed His hope in the God who provides the strength to walk in difficult places (v. 19).
Sometimes we go through seasons of deep pain and hardship. But no matter what we’ve lost, or wanted but never had, we can, like Habakkuk, rejoice in our relationship with a loving God. Even when it feels like we have nothing else, He will never fail or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). He, the One who “provide[s] for those who grieve,” is our ultimate reason for joy (Isaiah 61:3).
Today's Reflection
What about your relationship with Jesus brings you the greatest joy? How has He met you recently in a time of hardship or grief?
AND OUR DAILY HOPE WITH RICK WARREN
Every emotion is temporary, whether it’s good or bad. You can be delighted at Disneyland, but it will not last. You can be elated after winning a game, but it will not last. You can even be exhilarated at your wedding, but eventually you’ll learn that every marriage has its ups and downs. But the same is true for negative feelings. If you’re discouraged, upset, or sad, it will not last. Emotions are not permanent.
AND OUR DAILY HOPE WITH RICK WARREN
Don’t Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
by Rick Warren — March 18, 2019
“You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead” (Proverbs 14:12 CEV).
Proverbs 14:12 says, “You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead” (CEV).
Have you ever heard a Christian say, “Just let your conscience be your guide”? It’s true that God gave you a conscience to help guide you. But it’s not foolproof. Your conscience can be wrong. Anyone’s conscience can be wrong! The Bible says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12 NLT).
You can let your emotions guide or misguide you. Or, you can choose to be led by God’s Word. It will never let you down, and it always ends in life.
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