We’ve all experienced moments of desperation. Moments where something was not functioning the way we wanted it to. Bartimeus was desperate for his healing. We know he was desperate because he shouted. And when those around him told him to be quiet, he shouted even louder. While these moments can feel discouraging, they can also bring freedom. They allow us to see that our identity is not in what we’re going through or who is around us. Our identity is in the truth that Jesus has called us. And that is how we’re able to cheer up and have joy in the midst of difficult moments. Because our circumstances and surroundings do not identify us — our calling does.