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Joy in Hard Places Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 32–34; Mark 15:26–47 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18 Habakkuk 3:16-19 Whenever she was unable to take my phone call, my friend’s voicemail recording invited me to leave her a message. The recording cheerfully concluded, “Make it a great day!” As I reflected on her words, I realized that it’s not within our power to make every day “great”—some circumstances truly are devastating. But a closer look might reveal something redeeming and beautiful in my day, whether things are going well or poorly. Habakkuk wasn’t experiencing easy circumstances. As a prophet, God had shown him coming days when none of the crops or livestock—on which God’s people depended—would be fruitful (3:17). It would take more than mere optimism to endure the coming hardships. As a people group, Israel would be in extreme poverty. Habakkuk experienced heart-pounding, lip-quivering, leg-trembling fear (v. 16). Yet despite that, Habakkuk said he would “rejoice in the Lord” and “be joyful” (v. 18. He proclaimed His hope in the God who provides the strength to walk in difficult places (v. 19). Sometimes we go through seasons of deep pain and hardship. But no matter what we’ve lost, or wanted but never had, we can, like Habakkuk, rejoice in our relationship with a loving God. Even when it feels like we have nothing else, He will never fail or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). He, the One who “provide[s] for those who grieve,” is our ultimate reason for joy (Isaiah 61:3). Today's Reflection What about your relationship with Jesus brings you the greatest joy? How has He met you recently in a time of hardship or grief? 
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Just knowing that He loves me and will never forsake me brings me great joy..... and knowing that the Father loves me as His child is extremely comforting. So many base their life on feelings of happiness, or sadness. Joy is a deep abiding reality, not a fleeting emotion. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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