But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. – 1 Peter 4:13 Child of God, do not say that the sun is quenched because the cloud has hidden it. No! It is behind there, preparing summer for you, for when it comes out again, it will have made the clouds ready to drop in April showers, all of them mothers of the sweet May flowers. Above all, when your God hides His face, do not say that He has forgotten you. He is only tarrying a little while to make you love Him better. When He comes, you will have joy in the Lord and will rejoice with joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). Waiting exercises our grace. Waiting tests our faith. Therefore, wait in hope, for although the promise tarries, it can never come too late. We never have such close dealings with God as when we are in tribulation. When the barn is full, we can live without God. When the safe is bursting with gold, we somehow can do without as much prayer. But once your gourds have been taken away (Jonah 4), you want your God. Once the idols are cleansed away out of the house, then you must go and honor the Lord. God does not afflict willingly, nor grieve us for nothing, but He does so out of love and affection. He knows that if He leaves us unchastised, we will bring upon ourselves misery ten thousand times greater than we will suffer by His slight rebukes and the gentle blows of His hand. He is admonishing you, not punishing you. He is correcting you in measure, not smiting you in wrath. There is no angry displeasure in His heart. Even though His brow may be ruffled, there is no anger in Him toward you. Even though His eye may have closed upon you, He does not hate you. He still loves you. - Charles H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon points people to their faith in God for finding joy in life. Spurgeon said “I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of misery as I go to, but I always get back again by this—I know I trust Christ. I have no reliance but in him, and if he falls I shall fall with him, but if he does not, I shall not. Because he lives, I shall live also, and I spring to my legs again and fight with my depression of spirit and my melancholy, and get the victory through it. So may you, and so you must, for there is no other way of escaping from it. In your most depressed seasons you are to get joy and peace through believing.” The twenty-one chapters are excerpts of sermons that have to do with joy and hope in Christ. The text is updated to modern language.

Here is inspiration and insight that will challenge any reader to a greater level of joy in life. All Christians can maintain joy in their lives, regardless of outward circumstances.

What if your struggles aren’t a barrier to thriving but an invitation into your most vibrant days? Discover how to live a life of joy and fullness, even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams. How can you find a way forward when life throws you sucker punches, when you face obstacles that seem to snuff out your faith, when you lose someone precious to you? It is in the sacred space of pain and promise that we can begin to flourish. Even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams it is possible to grow, be strong, and draw near to God. In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie Lusko draws on her experiences after the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Lenya, to show you that the ingredients for a fresh and thriving life are right in front of you. Jennie's story will help remind you of how much God loves you, even when life feels unbearable. With grit and grace, Jennie will help you: Discover that flourishing is not an impossible destination but a divine revelation of where you are right now Find relief from the weight of overwhelming circumstances by resting in the realization that God is fighting for you Trust that God is growing you in the gap between your expectations and your experience The word flourish is written all over you and your future. Discover the ongoing strength that Jennie has found and learn to reengage in life with renewed strength and confidence.