When we’re having a great day, it’s easy to thank God. But what about when the day is tough? When we’re disappointed and stressed? Or when we’re thrown unexpectedly into grief, illness, and hurt? We might think that rejoicing is beyond what we can do. The psalmist declared: ‘This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.’ That was his declaration for every day, no matter what came against him. This type of rejoicing doesn’t mean that we have to be happy that these tough things have happened, and it doesn’t mean we have to deny that we’re hurting and walk round with a smile on our face. It means we can still have deep joy, despite the circumstance, because we know our God is bigger than anything we’ll ever face. We know that He’s always with us, and won’t leave us to face the situation alone (take a look at Isaiah 43:1-2). We also know that He’ll work all things for good (have a read of Romans 8:28). We might not understand how, but He’ll use the things we’re going through to bring about new things. In Romans 5 Paul says, ‘We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation’ (vv.3-4 NLT). We may not enjoy those tough days, and we may want to avoid them, but God uses them to continue His work in us. So when those tough days come, we have a choice. We can complain and question God, or we can rejoice knowing that God’s right there with us, and He’ll use it for our good and His glory.

What Now?

Listen to ‘Desert Song’ by Hillsong. As you’re listening, ask God to help you praise Him no matter what you’re facing.