How to Have Joy When You’re Suffering the Impossible

God desires for us to have total confidence in His sovereign grace even when we are suffering. More than anything, God is glorified when we have complete joy and satisfaction in Him. (James 1:2-8)

Suffering comes in all different ways that most of us hope to never experience.

I can’t imagine what suffering is really like and feel at a loss in writing about it. The ways that I have ‘suffered’ are nothing compared to what you might have experienced and usually, there is someone who has experienced far worse!

We are never fully prepared for the ‘bad’ things that come in life. I could probably come up with ‘5 Ways to Have Joy in Suffering’ but how would that comfort or help you?

Joy and Satisfaction in Jesus

There is no formula that will prepare you other than having joy and satisfaction in Jesus. Always.

According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21

It is easy to have joy when everything is going well, but when tragedy strikes, joy seems impossible.

It starts with our response to the little trials and things that go wrong. Are you able to be thankful for the small things that go wrong?

Our attitude of gratitude from the time we wake up until when we go to bed. How you react to every single experience in your life will do more to prepare you for suffering.

Finding joy and satisfaction in Jesus starts intentionally in each moment. God will give you the amount of grace you need.

Rejoice in the Lord Always!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4

That is such a beautiful verse but have you ever tried to quote it when you are at odds with your husband? Not so easy, right?

Here is another verse that shows how God expects us to have joy when it is almost impossible to have it.

Do all things without grumbling and questioning that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Philippians 2:14–15

I am sure you can think of a myriad of circumstances where it is natural to grumble and complain. God is most glorified when we have joy, the opposite of grumbling when it would be natural to complain and carry on!

Suffering the Impossible with Joy

What does it look like to suffer the impossible with joy?

It is the victorious life!

It is having victory over the impossible!

It is finding joy in Jesus. There is no other way!

Have you ever seen someone who has tragically lost a loved one who had inexpressible joy written all over their face even through their sadness?

I have seen it!

I can’t explain it!

In their own strength, they would be devastated but in God’s strength, they have joy that passes all understanding.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

They are glorifying God, giving God the glory through their suffering. It is a testimony to what the Lord Jesus Christ is doing although we cannot understand why something has been allowed to happen.

 God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. John Piper

Has this spoken to your heart in some way? How can I pray for you?

Take your Quiet Time to a deeper level!