Music has always been a big part of my life. I remember coming home from church one day and spending hours learning how to play, “This Is The Day” on the piano. It’s the only song I’ve ever been able to play by ear. 
 
In Jesus’ day, Psalms 115-118 were sung after the final blessing of the Passover meal. As Jesus shared his last meal with his disciples, he understood he would be tested on the Cross the next day.  
 
In his time on Earth, Jesus experienced the full gamut of human emotions. He suffered pain, endured trials, was tempted by Satan and rejected by men. He often went off to be spend time alone with the Father to escape the chaos of the world.
 
We are promised in this life we will also experience hardships and trials. It's in these moments that rejoicing in the Lord becomes a much more intentional, and often challenging, act.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:1-5 that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame – because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 
 
We can rejoice because by conquering death, Jesus overcame the world. We are promised that though we are hard pressed, the Lord is with us. He is our helper, and we can look forward to triumph.  

Even in our hardest days, we know God is good, and his love endures forever.  
 
Paul gives us the key to reframing our thoughts to be more like God’s so we might endure. 
 
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things." – Philippians 4:8
 
Scripture promises that when we align our thoughts with God’s, his peace, which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. I encourage you to cling to the promises God has given us, and to stay connected to the ultimate source of joy found in relationship with Jesus.

Written by Melissa Callahan, regional office manager for Buckner Children and Family Services in Dallas, Texas.