Joy in Every Season: From Gentle Hills to the Desert

Some seasons of life feel like a stroll through a sunlit path, soft hills, gentle breezes, laughter, and answered prayers. Your coffee is hot, the kids are getting along, your church family is kind, and you even had time to sit with your Bible without interruption. These seasons still come with the occasional bump, of course a flat tire or a frustrating day but overall, they’re light. You breathe easier. You smile more.

And then there are the desert seasons.

Those long stretches where prayers feel like they echo into silence. When you wake up already weary. When the things you used to enjoy feel heavy, and the joy you once had seems like a memory. There’s grief, uncertainty, disappointment, or even just a deep spiritual dryness that lingers longer than you expected.

I’ve been talking with a few dear friends this week one facing a devastating diagnosis, another walking through deep, heartbreaking circumstances. I won’t lie some of their stories made me cry. It crushed my heart to hear their pain. But we also prayed together. We lifted each other up not with clichés or “fake it until you make it,” because sisters, we don’t need to fake it to make it. Jesus already died on that cross and rose again, victorious over sin and death. The same Spirit who raised Him from the dead lives in us. As Romans 8:11 reminds us, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” So instead of looking around at our circumstances or how we feel, we fix our eyes upward to God’s unchanging character, His faithfulness, His love.

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” When we look to Jesus, our joy is renewed even in the hardest seasons.

And if you are going through a sweet season right now, praise the Lord! He is so good. Take time to celebrate His blessings, share your joy with others, and encourage those who may be struggling. Let your gratitude overflow, give praises, sing a little louder at church this Sunday, and let your joy be a light to those around you.

Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” And Philippians 4:4 calls us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Joy in the Lord is a gift, whether the season is easy or hard, and when we rejoice in Him, we strengthen our own faith and bless the community around us.

No matter what season you find yourself in today, whether you’re walking through the desert or resting in a sweet valley, know this: God’s joy is available to you. It’s not based on how your life looks or feels but on who He is. His promises never fail, His love never runs dry, and His Spirit is always near to comfort and strengthen you.

For those in the desert, hold fast. Let God’s Word be your anchor. Reach out to trusted friends, pray boldly, and let His presence fill your heart even when joy feels distant. And for those in the sweet seasons, rejoice with all your heart! Share your joy freely and encourage others with the hope you carry.

Romans 15:13 prays over us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Sisters, whatever your season, God’s joy is enough. Let’s lean into Him together.

Love,

Andrea