A Prayer for Joy through Trials and Tribulations
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
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I was in awe of the joy that filled my heart through the closing worship song. Considering I’d just wrapped up what felt like one of the most difficult weeks of my life. And following one of the most difficult seasons of my life. From dad‘s open heart surgery, then his major stroke, to a personal financial crisis, leaving me frantically on the search for work in order to help support my family. And vulnerably speaking, so much more darkness looming that I will spare you. There had been tons of tears, tough talks, and lots of looking to God in confusion and defeat. But as I stood, hand raised, eyes closed, my heart poured out the lyrics of Brandon Lakes’ “Gratitude,” and some of the truths of God that have been swelling within lit up the dark shadows of my soul.
In a moment in time, I was hyper-aware of how much I’d lost, feeling like I had so little to give, yet in surrender, I sang, “…Hallelujah. And I know it’s not much, but I’ve nothing else fit for a King. Except for a heart singing hallelujah. Hallelujah.” I praised the Lord with the little I had and realized how rich I really was. Solely because I have him. I thought about the family I passed on my way in that morning, who recently lost a child, singing the same song just rows behind me. Faces that greeted me nonetheless with a smile and showed up every week since they buried their boy, not even a month before. They were leaning on God and bringing their hearts and hallelujahs to him. And I praised God all the more for what I had.
Is there some sort of turmoil going on in your life right now? Something that you are struggling to find joy in? I feel this deeply. I really do. Romans 8:28 is my life verse, and I love to remind myself that God indeed uses all things for good. Even though, through desperate difficulties, it’s so hard to see it. But whether God uses your trial to redirect you to a better plan down the road, to open your eyes to the blessings of other people in your life who want to love on you, or just to draw you closer to him—there is good and joy he’s holding for you there. Joy for you here on earth. And there is even greater joy as we set our eyes on our ultimate destination in paradise.
The Bible says that through Jesus, we have an inheritance in heaven that can never perish, spoil, or fade. And because of this promise, we can rejoice, though for a little while, we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:3-6). And, yes, I am still weathering the storm. But I am also experiencing touches of joy as I continue to praise and lean harder on him. No matter what you’re walking through, I hope you’ll take a minute to praise him and offer him a hallelujah again and again too. Because lifting our eyes to him has a divine way of lifting our eyes above the storm, redirecting our gaze to the good around us, and refilling our hearts with a joy that can easily be lost in the struggles of life.
Let’s Pray:
Gracious God, Even though I am walking through the valley, I praise you for all that you have given me. So often life presents me with such difficult circumstances and seasons, but I know that you are still good. You are continually pouring out goodness and joy even when it really doesn’t always feel like it. Help me lift my eyes above all that’s burying me down in darkness up to you, where there is always joy to be found. Lord, I know while we are on this earth, trials will continue to come, but help me keep my heart so strong and firm on the truth of where my ultimate joy here is found–in you. And where my ultimate hope and home is–in heaven. God, thank you for redeeming all things. Thank you for always being by my side. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
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