Learning to rejoice in tough times

A recent newspaper article commented that current lockdown legislation was sucking the joy out of life: ‘Cancellation looms for Halloween, Christmas, bonfire night, and just about everything else that gives anybody any joy or meaning during Britain’s dark, long winters.’

No singing and other restrictions placed on church gatherings means that it’s easy to be swept along on this tidal wave of despair. But, in a strange way, the uncertainty of these days helps us hear with greater clarity God’s whisper to our soul: ‘What are you living for? Who are you living for?’ These ‘no celebration’ days encourage us to turn like never before to God and to rediscover the true source of joy.

Most of us have never experienced the barrenness or desolation that Habakkuk endured. The Babylonians decimated Israel’s infrastructure and food supply; everything was stripped away. What we are dealing with today is a pale reflection, but Habakkuk’s conclusion still applies to us:

Though the fig-tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
(Hab. 3:17-18)

The prophet determines that, whatever his circumstances, he will find joy in God. Likewise, the apostle James urges us: ‘Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when you face trials of various kinds’ (James 1:2). Neither James nor Habakkuk are suggesting a ‘fake it till you make it’ inane triumphalism, but a settled conviction that, no matter what, we can be joyful because of who God is and what He has done for us.

Grief, suffering and broken dreams

Alongside the rawness of grief, suffering and broken dreams, joy is possible because we are loved, known, and held in the hands of a sovereign God who is fulfilling His purposes. We experience this joy as we grasp these eternal realities – we are loved by God the Father, redeemed by His Son, indwelt by His Spirit, and headed for the new heavens and the new earth.

In truth, we often have to fight for joy. Busyness, guilt, bitterness and circumstances all press in. But, like Habakkuk and James, we choose again and again – with the Holy Spirit’s help – to trust God’s sovereignty, believe His promises and obey His word. Our joy is anchored in Christ and as we keep coming to Him we find an endless supply. Nationally celebrations may well be cancelled but, for us as believers, every day should be a celebration day. German pastor and theologian, Helmut Thielicke, wisely said: ‘Should we not see that lines of laughter about the eyes are just as much marks of faith as the lines of care and seriousness?’

Hope renewed

And joy is infectious. As I see you loving the Lord, living out Bible truths, overflowing with gratitude, investing in God’s kingdom and putting your hope in the resurrection of Christ, my focus on Him will be renewed and re-energised. I’ll be reminded to pursue joy.

But can this ‘inexpressible and glorious joy’ (1 Peter 1:9) burst out of the confines of the church? In this pandemic the world is watching the church. Watching and waiting to see if we have anything better to offer than the fear and hopelessness that pervades society. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was our deep-seated, authentic joy that caught people’s attention? What if our greatest witness was grappling with the sin and sorrow of the world with joy-filled hearts?

Habakkuk could rejoice because he knew that one day the whole world would be full of God’s glory (Hab. 2:14). On that day, when Christ returns, Peter promises we will be ‘overjoyed when his glory is revealed’ (1 Peter 4:13). As we wait, let’s be urgent about sharing the good news of the gospel with passion and clarity, so that many others will be overjoyed too.