This morning, I was contemplating joy. Two weeks ago I began vacation with lots of plans, lots of things that needed to be done in my never-ending quest of “allergy abatement,” and lots of plans to spend time with my loved ones. God had other plans. I am now at the end of my two-week vacation. I did have lots of quality and precious time with my loved ones. There were many, many good times.

Yet, for the most part, my plans and getting things done did not happen. Why? God had other plans. It is the life of the chronically ill. Flares come at the most inconvenient times. They do not come according to our schedule. A health flare and yet another round of shingles slowed me down considerably. The medication for the shingles makes one feel as if one has the flu on top of the shingles fun. It slowed me WAY down.

I was thinking about all that happened and then realized what it meant. God shown through each time of difficulty. God is teaching me to trust Him in new ways. God is teaching me to focus on Him when the path around is rocky, treacherous, and hard. God is giving peace and joy in the midst.

Some of you are in the middle of the hard. You are “in the midst.” Cling to our Savior. I am praying for you. More importantly, Jesus knows all about it. Turn to Him. He loves you and cares. He can bring joy even in the midst. His Word assures us that joy is coming.

This verse came to mind, “…Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)