Joy Even During Hard Times

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:4-7 (NRSV)

Paul knew two thousand years ago exactly what you and I know now. Sometimes it is hard to rejoice and have joy. Sometimes the world around us and our lives have been confronted with sorrow, pain, and hardships that are not simply wished away. Joy is not innate in us. Joy is an action and a choice. We must act to care for ourselves in order to not be anxious. We must choose to pray and foster a heart of supplication, always keeping our minds set on remaining grateful. With these actions, we welcome the peace of God that will give us understanding and focus on the Jesus we so adore. 

This is a hard season for many of us, including myself. I have struggled for years to find where I belong as a queer minister, working with people who have endured many trials with spiritual traumas. Where can I find joy in this space where only fear, hatred, and hurt have lived? As we worshiped together at our church in celebration of the third week of Advent, it dawned on me. With all things we find joy when we share the hard times, the good times, the times we survived, the moments of peace, and the moments of anxiety with each other. We spoke in our reflection time at church about how this season of pain and loneliness is only abated by the joy we share when we gather together in fellowship. Find your community and I believe we will all find our joy. 

Where are you finding your community during this season of Joy and Advent?