Newness of Life Rejoicing Always.

  It's worth it.  Keep climbing the hill, even when it becomes difficult.  When I go hiking, I remind myself occasionally of the facts that it is good for me, that the view can sometimes be spectacular, and that the difficult steps draw me closer to my rewarding goal.
  Also, in life, we can see that the tougher times can actually be good for us, making us stronger, taking part in growing our faith, helping us gain wisdom and tools to use later in similar hard times and in helping others.  Asking God for His strength and help and comfort brings us to places of enjoyment, and even rejoicing as we look back and around and forward.

  Look to God's Word into the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3, verses 17 through 19:
  "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls-
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer's feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills."

  So, He will give those who live by faith a confidence in times that seem so rough. Confidence like that of a surefooted deer has in climbing mountain terrains.  Like a victorious army, in God's strength we will occupy the high hills.

  At times, as we work hard traversing the lean times of life while also depending on God's unending grace, we are able to see some spectacular views.  We can rejoice and be thankful always.  When we do, we should take occasion to celebrate. 

  "As brilliantly as the sun shines through some days, there are many days that it does not shine at all.  Some days the clouds cover the mountains, and I must remind myself they are still there. And so I must continually remember that it is God's love that perfects, that makes the windows of our lives clear, that helps us see.  There's much we don't understand now.  All the more reason to accept grace and praise Him exactly from where we are." - Nancie Carmichael

  Then there is the reward of drawing closer to God as we walk in newness of life through dry desert times and valleys of decision and high uphill climbs.  I have found that in the most incredibly stressful and sorrowful times, God has drawn me ever closer to His heart.  There is no better place to be as we wait to know our real home in heaven.

Please pray with me:
  Father, in You there is no room for despair because You are the God of hope.  Please help me to trust You completely and call upon You while You are near.  In Jesus' name, Amen.