How can I rejoice in hard times?
Rejoicing when life is painful seems impossible. Discover the secret to joy in suffering.
15 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
The Three Annual Festivals and Justice
Deuteronomy 16 establishes the three annual pilgrimage festivals—Passover, Weeks, and Booths—and provides instructions for appointing just judges throughout the land.
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
David praises God for delivering him from fear, inviting others to taste God's goodness and learn the fear of the LORD that leads to life.
Come and See What God Has Done
An exuberant call to worship celebrating God's awesome deeds. The psalm moves from cosmic invitation to personal testimony, showing how corporate praise and individual gratitude interweave.
The Work of the Spirit and Sorrow Turned to Joy
Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution and promises that the Spirit will convict the world and guide them into all truth. Though sorrow will come, it will turn to joy like a woman's pain becomin...
Ananias and Sapphira and Growing Opposition
Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit about their gift and face sudden judgment. The apostles perform many signs and wonders. They are arrested again but freed by an angel. Before the council, G...
Living for God's Will
Since Christ suffered in the flesh, believers should arm themselves with the same attitude, living for God's will rather than human desires. Peter addresses using gifts to serve others and rejoicing w...
The King Rejoices in God's Strength
The companion to Psalm 20, this psalm celebrates the king's victory and God's blessings, praising the LORD who answered prayer and gave the king his heart's desire.
Rejoice in the LORD, O Righteous
This hymn of praise celebrates God as Creator and Sovereign over all nations, calling the righteous to worship with music and trust in His steadfast love.
The Lord Reigns, Let the Earth Rejoice
Another enthronement psalm celebrating God's reign over all the earth. Fire, lightning, and mountains melting before His presence create awe, while Zion rejoices at His righteous judgments.
A Friend Loves at All Times
Proverbs 17 explores friendship, silence as wisdom, family dynamics, and the value of cheerful hearts over external circumstances.
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Paul calls for unity, rejoicing, and prayer instead of anxiety. Think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely. He has learned contentment in all circumstances through Christ who strengthens.
Sending the Seventy-Two and the Good Samaritan
Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way. He pronounces woes on unrepentant cities and rejoices that the Father reveals truth to little children. A lawyer's question leads to ...
The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son
When criticized for receiving sinners, Jesus tells three parables of stunning grace. A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost. A woman searches until she finds her lost coin. A father welc...
The Resurrection and Ascension
Women find the tomb empty and angels announce Jesus is risen. Two disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus, their hearts burning as He opens Scripture. Jesus appears to the gathered disciples, ...
The Resurrection
Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty and encounters the risen Jesus. He appears to the disciples, breathes on them, and gives them the Holy Spirit. Thomas doubts until he sees Jesus and exclaims, "My L...
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.