The Christian journey isn't always filled with sunshine. There are seasons of darkness and storms. Sure, God's Word tells us, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." It's true that faith brings happiness on earth as well as in heaven, but experience shows us that the light may sometimes be eclipsed. Clouds can cover the believer's sun, leaving them to walk in darkness without seeing light. Many have rejoiced in God's presence for a time, basked in the sunshine early in their Christian walk, and strolled through "green pastures" beside "still waters." Yet suddenly, they find the sky clouded. Instead of the Land of Goshen, they tread the sandy desert; instead of sweet waters, they find bitter streams, and they think, "If I were a child of God, this wouldn't happen."

Don't say that, you who walk in darkness. Even the best of God's followers face trials; the dearest of His children carry a cross. No Christian has experienced constant prosperity; no believer can always keep their harp from the willows. Perhaps God gave you a smooth, clear path at first because you were weak and timid. But now that you're stronger spiritually, you must face the more mature and challenging experiences of God's grown children. We need winds and tempests to exercise our faith, to strip away self-reliance, and to root us more firmly in Christ. Difficult times reveal the value of our glorious hope.