It’s easy to be overwhelmed when scrolling feeds or watching news outlets: soaring gas prices, war in Ukraine, earthquakes, rising violence nationwide, school shootings, life-threatening diagnoses, and more. The sorrows of our world can be absolutely debilitating.Truth is, we don’t have to look far to see the fallenness. Sin and brokenness exist in the walls of our homes among sibling rivalry, heated marital discussions, burnt grilled cheeses, careless words, job stresses, unwelcome anxieties, and sticky countertops to name a few. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find true joy or live an abundant life among hardship.Perhaps the brokenness and heartaches of life are meant to draw us closer to Jesus—even in our deepest pains. God uses all of these tests and trials to produce a stronger character and spirit inside us. He teaches our hearts not to get too cozy here on earth, but to instead long for eternity. He enables us to live a life that’s fruitful, generous, and sacrificial to those around us.Eventually, wars will cease. Relationships will be mended. Tears will be wiped away. Life will replace death. Jesus will make all things new. So while we wait for that day, let’s live as joyfully and abundantly as we can by the power of Christ working through us.