Read: Acts 16:22-26

Gabby’s grandpa was in a lot of pain. His hands were nearly crippled, and he sat in a wheelchair when he was able to get out of bed. Gabby thought she would be miserable if she were in his place, but every time she visited him, he seemed to have a smile on his face.

“How are you so happy all the time?” Gabby asked as she sat in his living room with him one afternoon.

“God has been good to me,” Grandpa said, humming softly.

Gabby’s brows knit. How could he say that when he was in pain?

“What are you humming?” Gabby asked.

“It’s a song about God being good all the time,” Grandpa said. “We need to trust Him no matter what we face. We need to remember that He is good and has given us eternal life through His Son, Jesus.”

“I wish I had faith like you,” Gabby said.

Grandpa patted her hand with his gnarly one. “Did you ever read about Paul being put in prison?”

“I’m not sure,” said Gabby.

“Well, when he was beaten and put in prison, he still sang and praised God. Everyone who heard him was shocked.” Grandpa smiled. “I want to be like that.”

“And I want to be like you,” Gabby said.

Grandpa went back to humming, and Gabby leaned into his shoulder. She felt bad for him because of his pain, but he was one of the happiest and most content people she knew. She wanted to be like him when she was older rather than a lot of the grown-ups she knew who weren’t nearly as happy or friendly.

“God can get us through all kinds of terrible times and the pain we face,” Grandpa said softly. “Because Jesus died and rose again to save us, we can be joyful and praise Him no matter what. We just need to trust Him and know that He’s with us.” Grandpa smiled at Gabby. “Maybe I could teach you the words to the song I’ve been humming?”

“Sure,” Gabby said. She was eager to learn as much as she could from her faith-filled grandpa.

–Bethany Acker

How about you? Do you know someone who is happy even when life isn’t easy? We all go through hard, painful times in life, but we can still be joyful and praise God because of what He’s done for us. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He has given you eternal life and promises to be with you through every difficulty you face. Trust Him and praise Him no matter what life brings.

Today's Key Verse: In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:21 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Trust and praise God always