Joyful Hope

“Christ makes a difference in how people grieve. For Christ followers, joy and hope can be ever-present even during tragedy. Scripture doesn’t say that we won’t grieve, but that we shouldn’t grieve like those without hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Job and his wife experienced unspeakable losses and responded differently, Job’s wife suggested Job curse God and die (Job 2:9), while Job was determined to cling to God. The same thing that enabled Job to maintain his hope can enable any believer to live joyfully in any situation. Job had an intimate relationship with God long before tragedy struck.

It had always been Job’s custom to rise early and pray (Job 1:5). He was completely devoted to God before the heartache and loss. Life is hard and no one makes it through unscathed, but there’s joy for the one who’s decided to remain faithful to God…” (Joyful)