Joy Is How You Fight Back: Finding Hope When Life Makes No Sense

We’ve all faced moments that make no sense. The prayer that wasn’t answered the way we expected. The relationship that fell apart. The dream that didn’t happen. In those moments, despair creeps in—and joy feels impossible.

That’s exactly where Habakkuk found himself. His world was collapsing, injustice was everywhere, and God seemed silent. But instead of turning away, Habakkuk made a defiant choice:

“Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Joy, for Habakkuk, wasn’t a shallow smile. It was a declaration of trust when everything looked bleak. It was saying, “God, I don’t see the answer, but I know You’re still good.”

Joy is confidence in God’s goodness no matter what’s going on around you. It’s how we resist despair. It’s how we fight back.

As I write this, the weather is getting colder. It won't be long before frost and ice gather on windshields each morning. What do you do? You warm your car up! You crank the heat. Turn the temp level on the seats to max.  You could technically drive without waiting—but you’ll be cold and unable to see clearly, trying to drive by looking through the gap in the ice. The wise choice? Warm it up first. In the same way, joy “heats up” your heart before you move forward. You worship before you see results. You thank God before you feel breakthrough. You praise before you understand.

And when you do, something miraculous happens. The frost begins to melt. Fear loses its grip. Hope starts to rise.

Even Jesus modeled this. Hebrews 12:2 says that “for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” He saw through the pain and found joy in what His suffering would accomplish—our redemption.

Joy isn’t denial. It’s defiance. It’s worship in the waiting. It’s trusting that God’s goodness is greater than whatever tries to steal your peace.

Joy is how you fight back.