(James 1:2-3) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

(1 Peter 1:6-9) ⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Both passages from God’s Holy Word reveal joy unspeakable in the midst of trial. Many other passages, from God’s Word, reveal that the joy of Christ is our inward antidote to the pain we suffer in this life. That being said, we must acknowledge that this joy does not remove or block the pain; but serves as fuel for enduring the trials we face on Christ’s behalf (Hebrew 12:2; Matthew 5:10-12).

Even when not in a direct time of trial, being in a world that is contrary to Christ and getting more contrary by the day, can be draining and hinder our joy. Daily we are faced with the prospect of hearts being harder by the hour–satanic bondage creeping into every segment of culture–the marginalization and persecution of the church worldwide,–as well as many other end times realities, which press all around us.

(2 Timothy 3:1-5)  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

When adding to this list from Romans 1:29-32,

“being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them”,

life can become an oppressive way suffocating our joy in Christ.

This morning while entering into prayer, having spent two days substitute teaching in the Fostoria High School, I felt overwhelmed (and crushed, useless and defeated). We want to believe that pastors are always to be “abounding in joy” and “overcoming” and overflowing with faith”, but true followers of Christ at times grieve heavily concerning the darkness abounding in our world.

Can you imagine being Noah, as the judgement of the flood approached, where the word of God declares…

(Genesis 6:5) Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

At times, even those with great faith, are grieved and pressed with sadness over the state of the church or that of lost humanity.

This morning as I cried out to God in intercession, the Lord brought a song to mind, a prayer that gave me some perspective. The Spirit then revealed that one or more of my friends may be feeling the same way. Therefore, In Christ’s name, I offer to you the song “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Remember you are not alone, and regardless of what is occurring currently in your life, He is still with you.

The lyrics are included below for your continued encouragement, click play below.