Not happiness, but joy. It also promises trouble, as these verses testify. The hard reality of the Bible’s message is that life breeds trouble and Christians are not exempt. In fact, Christians should expect more trouble, as the adversary seeks to derail faith and upset biblical promises.

It is not pessimistic, just realistic and biblical, to say that trouble is the standard and peace the exception, this side of heaven. God uses trouble to build our faith, redeeming us from all trouble through the power of the overcomer, Jesus.

1 PETER 1:6 – Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1 PETER 4:13 –  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.