Finding Joy in Dark Places: When God Uses Our Struggles to Grow Us
Joy and suffering are two words we rarely expect to find together. When life is difficult, our natural response is often to ask, “Why is this happening?” We may believe that joy can only return when our circumstances improve and the painful season comes to an end. However, Scripture presents us with a very different understanding of joy. Biblical joy is not dependent on everything going well. It is rooted in the assurance that God is present, faithful and working through every part of our lives. Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2–3 (NIV) A different perspective on trials James does not tell us that suffering itself is enjoyable. He does not ask us to pretend that pa...