Joy Through Trials

As we looked at the story of Ruth Sunday, we discovered that God is at work even in those dark and silent moments of our lives when we can't seem to see or hear him. In fact, sometimes the best things come out of a season of trials:

"It is said that George Frederick Handel composed his amazing musical The Messiah in approximately three weeks. It was apparently done at a time when his eyesight was failing and when he was facing the possibility of being imprisoned because of outstanding bills. Handel however kept writing in the midst of these challenges till the masterpiece, which included the majestic, “Hallelujah Chorus,” was completed.

"Handel later credited the completion of his work to one ingredient: Joy. He was quoted as saying that he felt as if his heart would burst with joy at what he was hearing in his mind. Sure enough, listening either to the entire work of The Messiah or to the "Hallelujah Chorus" brings great joy to one's heart.

"Similarly, in the midst of the many challenges he faced, including chains, imprisonment, and slander, the Apostle Paul, filled with the joy that Christ gives, could say, 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!' (Phil. 4:4). May the joy of the Lord fill your heart today!"

[Taken from https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/december/joy-of-lord.html]