“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Is it possible to have joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances? Do you think that there is a joy available that can prevail, even amidst hardship, turmoil, and even despair?

I remember a time when I learned the answer to those questions. It was one of the hardest times in my life. I felt hopeless and had no way to change my circumstances. I remember sitting on my living-room couch, playing my guitar, praying and worshiping God with tears in my eyes. I didn’t know how God would work things out, but I believed what God said in Jeremiah 29:11, that He had a plan for me and would give me hope and a future. Soon I started to feel the presence of God surrounding me while I sang praises to Him. I remember feeling this sense of joy and peace in the depth of my soul. 

Mary was in a more difficult situation than I ever was. She was given this amazing news that she was chosen to bear the Son of God, alongside the very troubling way in which God would bring this to pass. She was given a promise that no one would believe -- “a virgin shall conceive” -- news that everyone would view with suspicion and accusation. Even her betrothed didn’t believe her at first.  If Joseph wasn’t such a godly man, he would have divorced her for being pregnant before they were officially married under Jewish Law. Mary’s story --the truth! -- just seemed unbelievable. 

Even though Mary’s situation seemed impossible, to herself as well as those around her, she believed and had great faith in an omnipotent God. This is evident in her response to the angel’s news, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)

I’ve always wondered why God waited to reveal his plan to Joseph. How long did Mary have to go without Joseph hearing from God, in a dream, a dream that would reveal that Mary was indeed pregnant with the Messiah? The Bible doesn’t say how long it was, but I imagine Mary would have felt very alone without someone with whom she could share both her joy and fears.

I assume she had mixed feelings. On the one hand, she must have had this huge feeling of joy inside that she needed to share with others about the visitation from the angel and being chosen to bear the King of Kings. At the same time, she was surrounded by seemingly impossible circumstances where her own husband didn’t even believe her.

But thankfully, the angel told her about Elizabeth. He said, “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month” (Luke 1:36). I can understand why she wanted to hurry and go see her. God gave her this huge blessing, along with someone who could understand; someone she could rejoice with, talk to and share her joy.

I imagine she must have felt so full of joy and peace while there. Her meeting with Elizabeth, in Luke 1:41, is bursting with joy as the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth and spoke through her a blessing over Mary. Even Elizabeth’s baby, John the Baptist, jumped for joy in her womb. This probably gave Mary the strength to carry on through the difficult events that would later unfold. Mary’s circumstances were much different than mine, but even in the midst of hardship, God brought her joy.

God does not force us to obey, and will not force joy upon us.  This means there is a vital connection between obedient hearing and joyful living. Another word for “Yes” is “surrender.” That’s what I experienced when I was praising God with my guitar years ago, and it is the same thing that Mary, and later Joseph had to do.  God has taught me that even when everything around us looks hopeless or impossible, we can still find joy in the King who makes the seemingly impossible possible. 

No matter what you are going through this season, you can still experience joy too. If you are a Christian, then Jesus is with you. First, believe that God keeps His promises. Trust in God, not your circumstances. Then spend time praying and worshiping Him; allow Him to surround you with Joy.