Weekly Devotion: The Importance of Celebration, Even in Hardship

By: Shara Garcia

What does it actually look like to celebrate when life feels heavy—and does it even matter?

The Jews in Persia had spent months living under a death sentence, uncertain if they would survive. Haman, a wicked official of King Xerxes, had manipulated the king into issuing a decree to annihilate the Jewish people—Esther’s people. But God empowered Queen Esther with courage to reveal Haman’s plot, leading to his execution. Yet, even with Haman gone, the danger wasn’t over. Persian law could not be revoked, so a new decree was issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves. And it was then—still in the middle of uncertainty, still under threat—that the Jewish people celebrated.

Esther 8:16-17a says 16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. 17 In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. 

Like me, you might be thinking, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Or maybe, “We’re not home free yet” or “Still on thin ice.” Whatever phrase resonates, we can agree—it seems like the Jewish people were celebrating too soon. The feast comes after the fight, not before. Why were they celebrating in chapter 8 when chapter 9 was still full of battle?

Maybe you’re in the middle of a fight—waiting for victory, healing, hope, a better season, or just some relief. 

Maybe you’re wondering what’s the point of celebrating while you’re still in hardship?

Verse 17 doesn’t simply end with celebration—it launches a transformation:“And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.”

The Persians feared the Jews not because they had already defended themselves—that happens in chapter 9. We’re still in chapter 8. They feared them because of their hope, their celebration, their perspective. The way the Jewish people rejoiced—full of joy, relief, and recognition of God’s hand—was so powerful that others wanted to be part of it. Some Persians didn’t just admire their celebration; Scripture says they became Jews.

This moment in Esther reminds us that faith is contagious. When people see an unshakable hope that defies circumstances, it makes them stop and ask, Where does that come from? The Jews weren’t celebrating an easy life; they were celebrating a faithful God. And that kind of celebration—the kind that happens before the breakthrough—speaks louder than words.

We see this same pattern throughout Scripture. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Acts 16, they chose to sing hymns and pray instead of giving in to fear. What happened? The prison doors flew open, and their jailer—so moved by their response—asked how he could be saved. Their faith in the middle of suffering became a witness that changed someone else’s life.

The Jews celebrated not because they were free from hardship forever but because they had seen God move in their story. And that testimony was enough to draw others in. 

How do you celebrate when life is still uncertain? When you’re waiting for healing or when the outcome isn’t what you prayed for? Esther’s story reminds us that celebration doesn’t always mean everything is perfect—it means we see glimpses of God’s goodness in the story. Maybe it’s a stable heartbeat, a successful procedure, or even a moment of peace in the chaos.

Celebration is an invitation. The world expects joy when life is perfect. But when people celebrate in the waiting – even in loss – it does two beautiful things:

1. Changes our perspective – The season, diagnosis, or grief may not be removed, but we are transformed in how we endure it.

2. Makes others ask, “Where does that hope come from?” – When we choose to hold onto God in our hardest places, others may be drawn to Him too. Even in the unknown, our celebration can be a witness—to nurses, doctors, social media followers, and even other families in the hospital.

This doesn’t mean forced happiness. It means finding ways to acknowledge that God is still writing the story - even when we don’t understand it.

My hope is that you feel permission to celebrate the simple truth that God is present in your story, even if the chapter isn’t over. Permission to celebrate—even if there’s still a fight in the next chapter of your life.

Gracious and good God, even in the middle of the battle, open my eyes to see You. In the midst of my circumstances—help me to remember and cling to the truth that You are with me. Just as You were with Esther and Your people, You are here with me now. Teach me to celebrate that simple truth—not just in the victories, but even in the waiting. Whether it’s through a whispered prayer, lifted hands, or simply acknowledging Your presence, help me to find joy in knowing You are near. You are here in the mess with me, and You love me. Lord, don’t just remind my mind of this truth—let it sink deep into my heart. I need You in this season. Thank You for never leaving me.

Dig Deeper into How to Navigate What is Ahead with Real Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. How has my journey - even in pain - drawn others toward God?

2. What small moments of God’s goodness can I celebrate today?

3. How can I live in a way that makes others curious about Jesus - even in the hardest season?

Put Your Faith Into Action:

The idea of throwing a Pinterest-worthy party might be making your heart beat a little faster right now. Don’t worry—I’m not suggesting you plan an elaborate event when life already feels overwhelming. But I am inviting you to find your own way to celebrate, even in a season of pain.

Celebration doesn’t have to be loud or exhausting—it can be simple, quiet, and deeply personal. Here are some small but meaningful ways to acknowledge God’s presence in your story right now:

• Speak gratitude out loud – Say one thing each day that reminds you of God’s goodness, even in the midst of hardship.

• Light a candle – A simple way to symbolize that God’s presence is with you, even in the dark moments.

• Write a short prayer – It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just a few honest words to God can be an act of celebration.

• Listen to a worship song – Even if you don’t feel like singing, let the lyrics remind you of truth.

• Take a gratitude walk – Step outside, breathe, and thank God for something you see, hear, or feel.

• Share a moment of joy – Text a friend, smile at a stranger, or find one small way to pass on hope.

• Create a reminder – Write a verse on a sticky note, set a phone alarm with a truth you need to hear, or journal about how you’ve seen God move before.

• Simply say, “God, I know You’re here.” – Acknowledge His presence, even when you don’t feel it.

Celebration in pain isn’t about pretending everything is okay—it’s about choosing to see glimpses of God’s goodness, even when the story isn’t finished.

Further Reading:

1. Matthew 5:16

2. Psalm 27:13-14

3. Habakkuk 3:17-18

   
   

Shara is a SoCal mother to three littles, pastor’s wife, youth pastor, and heart warrior mama. She understands the importance of biblical encouragement; especially when her third child was born with a complex CHD requiring open heart surgery. She volunteers in obedience to God's call to comfort others "with the comfort we ourselves received from God."