“This doesn’t mean, of course, that we have only a hope of future joys—we can be full of joy here and now even in our trials and troubles. Taken in the right spirit these very things will give us patient endurance; this in turn will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us.” (Romans 5: 3-4, JB Phillips New Testament)

It can certainly sound like a tall order to be joyous in the middle of challenges. We find ourselves either living in dread of what is to come, or we think of happiness as some future hope, when the human struggles have ended.

But we can note this assurance and take heart, here and now. The very troubles that seem so large and wearying, are actually growing experiences. We can be awake to the occasion we have right now to release our personal control and the burden it can bring. We can set aside our ego and find a richness in humility, in turning from complaint and fear to gratitude and love.

As we learn patience, strength, and grace, we are developing character. We are becoming more of who God made us to be. And we are discovering hope, which leads to inspiration, which leads to purer motives, a fuller sense of purpose, and a joy that outlasts circumstances and brings light to our lives and, naturally, to our world.

Fresh inspiration every Tuesday and Thursday right here. If you’d like to receive more messages like these every week day by email, contact me at lauramoliter@gmail.com.  Just write “subscribe” in the subject line, and I’ll gladly add you to the list! Or click here: http://eepurl.com/cElsXE

Would you like to explore ideas like these further and really incorporate them into your life? I offer one-on-one discovery sessions, designed to bring clarity and invite more joy and power and purpose into your life TODAY. I’d love to talk with you! Feel free to contact me at lauramoliter@gmail.com and I can tell you more.