Joy in the Hard Times

Today is a day to celebrate. Jesus is alive! Today is a day for joy. But let’s get real honest for just a minute. Some of you are finding it hard to rejoice. Because life right now is hard. Maybe it’s your marriage that’s not going so well. Maybe it’s your health, or the health of someone close to you. It could be that things on the job are bad right now. Maybe your finances are in a mess. Some of you may be having trouble with your children. Whatever the reason, it’s just hard to be happy because you feel like your world is upside down. Can any of you relate to that?

If you’re finding it hard to rejoice this morning I want you to listen carefully. Your joy doesn’t have to depend on your circumstances. It may seem impossible, but you can be joyful and glad even when times are hard. Today I want to take you to the Scripture and show you not only that it’s possible, but how that can happen for you. It begins by learning three important lessons.

Turn to . Text begins by praising God, talks about rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. The amazing things is that Peter is writing to people who are enduring suffering and persecution. And here Peter is talking about being joyful. On the surface it may not seem to make sense. But listen closely this morning and you’ll see that it makes perfect sense. Read the text.

Finding joy in the hard times begins with learning three important lessons.

To rejoice and be joyful during times of pain and hardship seems counterintuitive to human nature. Why? What does that tell us about the kind of joy we are seeking from the Lord?

Lesson 1: Faith is key to the hope of salvation. (Vv 3-5)

Holding your child’s hand when she first learns to write her name.

Why is it significant that God guards you through your own faith? What does that say about the role you play in maintaining your hope of salvation?

Lesson 2: Faith is proven in difficulty. (Vv 6-7)

Cliff & Carrie Barefoot difficulty has made their faith stronger.

Read . Why is it important that our faith be tested? How does this contribute to our joy and the hope of salvation?

Lesson 3: Genuine faith produces joy. (Vv 8-9)

Surprising child with trip and they get excited.

Read and John 20:29. How might we define faith based on this word? How does that definition differ from what many consider to be faith? Is the joy described here possible apart from genuine faith? Why or why not?

Big Idea:

Big Idea: Faith enables you to rejoice in the hard times.

No matter how difficult the circumstances of your life may be right now, one fact remains. Jesus has conquered death, hell and the grave. He is alive and because of that hope is alive. It doesn’t matter how troubled your marriage is, hope is alive. It doesn’t matter how bad your finances are, hope is alive. No matter what your struggle or hardship, we have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I can have joy on the darkest day because I know what awaits me on the other side. But you will only have that joy if you believe, if you have faith.

Share with the group a time when you, or someone you know, was able to have joy during a season of difficulty because of your faith. Pray for anyone in the group who may be in a season of difficulty now.

Read . What does this verse teach us about the joy of the Lord? Where does it come from? What makes it superior to the joy unbelievers may know?