Certain things are inspiring. 

It is inspiring when someone breaks a world record. It is inspiring when someone makes a big sacrifice to help someone in need.

I also find it very inspiring when someone is able to experience joy even in the midst of hardship.

Have you ever met someone like that? They have enduring serious pain. They have made difficult decisions. They have experienced things we wouldn’t wish on anybody. Even still, they are able to praise God, trust in his guidance, and know that he will provide for them no matter what.

Paul comes to mind. He had endured horrific things. And yet he was able to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). He had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).

And then there’s David. In Psalm 13 he felt forgotten. He was experiencing sorrow. His enemies were triumphing over him. And yet he trusted in God: “my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me” (verses 5-6).

Why? With the Lord we can rejoice, not because of the circumstances we’re in, but because of who is with us in our circumstances.

God is literally with his people. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” At his ascension Jesus said: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

When hardship comes to a follower of Jesus (and it will come—now, soon, or eventually), it is pushes us and challenges us and stretches us. We cry out to God. In and through it all, remember that you are not alone. God gives forgiveness, grace, wisdom, strength, salvation and hope.

It was true for Paul. It was true for David. And it is true for you.

With the Lord we can rejoice, not because of the circumstances we’re in, but because of who is with us in our circumstances.

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Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.