…it is often the case, as all the saints know, that fellowship with the Father and the Son is most vivid and sweet, and Christian joy is greatest, when the cross is heaviest.
–J. I. Packer
The testimony of martyrs who sang, testified, and had joy at the moment of their deaths are examples of this truth. The persecution of Christians continues to occur all over the world today. Some are even giving their physical lives for the sake of the gospel. Stop and take a moment to pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith – ask the Father that they would stand strong and find deep fellowship with God through their experience.
And pray that God would continue to help you experience great joy even when the cross is heavy in your life.