Holly and I were sitting on our couch last night, processing some tough family dynamics we’ve been working through. The kids were finally asleep, the house was quiet, but our hearts felt heavy.
We honestly didn’t have a ton to say to each other, but sitting there together Psalm 46 came to mind: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We began to talk about God being our refuge and how we could practically turn to him together.
We weren’t just talking about getting through a hard week anymore—we were talking about finding joy in the midst of sorrow, peace in the middle of chaos.
To have joy in the midst of sorrow can honestly feel impossible at times, especially when the hurt is so personal. And all on our own, it is impossible. But just as the angel Gabriel said after making his outlandish proclamation to Mary that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Savior of the world, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Joy is meant to be ours, a joy that is defiant in the face of this broken world. Our hearts are to echo the heartbeat of our joyous God. This isn’t about skipping around singing, “I’m so happy in Jesus every day.” This is about being present to whatever may be coming our way and, in the midst of both the goodness and the grief, knowing joy.
Believing that sorrow and loss do not have the final word takes defiance. It requires a strength of spirit that must be nurtured. It means engaging our lives fully but interpreting them by the light of heaven.
This week, when stress hits your marriage (because we can guarantee that something will happen), try this: Before you react to your spouse, take a breath and ask, “God, how do you want me to respond right now?” Let the Holy Spirit shape your words, your tone, even your facial expression.
Your refuge isn’t a perfect marriage or controlled circumstances. Your refuge is God himself—present, powerful, and available right now.
We’re praying for peace over your home this week,
Mike and Holly Worley
