The proverb says, “If thou losest courage in the day of trouble, thy strength is small” (Prov. 24:10). We live in days of trouble, and the question for us is, Are we losing courage when we see iniquity increasing everywhere? If so, why? Is not our strength in the Lord? Definitely. This is why we need and want to encourage “one another, and by so much the more as [we] see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25), so not to lose courage, but instead be “strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory unto all endurance and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for sharing the portion of the saints in light” (Col. 1:11–12).

We can encourage one another, be strengthened, and rejoice amid the growing confusion around us because we know the eternal plans of God concerning His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and because we know His plans for this earth as well—and all of them will very soon come to pass. Yes, all the promises of God and all His eternal counsels will be fulfilled. Nothing can nor will hinder what He has determined, and consequently, nothing can in any way affect God’s perfect peace and joy—which joy is also our strength, “for the joy of Jehovah is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).

As long as our eyes are fixed on Jesus and we see what joy is His—especially when we do that which is right before Him, keeping His word (Jn. 14:23)—there is nothing missing to strengthen us and fill our own hearts with His joy. And this is always true, despite the circumstances and the hurts we may go through. If we look to Jesus, if we see His joy and hold fast by faith to the precious and blessed truth and promises we find in the Word of God, we too will be filled with the Lord’s joy, and it will give us strength to go on faithfully and encourage one another until He comes!