Joy – Discovering Joy in PainSample

Joy in Pain

Joy is one of the most powerful human emotions and often originates from life’s painful experiences. It is within the depths of pain that true joy begins to grow.

One image of joy resulting from pain is the miracle of childbirth. After hours of strain, new life emerges forth with a flood of relief and incomparable joy. God chose this miracle to fulfill his most precious promise: the arrival of the Savior of the world.

In Luke 1, we see the story begin to unfold. Mary, a common teenager, is visited by the angel Gabriel. He tells Mary not to be afraid and relays a message from God saying that she will conceive and bear a son. He will be the long-awaited Savior, the Son of the Most High God, and his name will be Jesus.

Teenaged Mary is confused. How can this be? I’m a virgin.

Gabriel explains that God’s Spirit will make it possible, although, by human standards, it could never happen. Mary responds with faith-filled words, accepting the task that she’s been given.

It’s difficult for us to imagine the extent of pain Mary would experience as a result of Gabriel’s joyful message. On one hand, the message contained great honor for Mary; she had found favor with God! Of all the people on earth, Mary was chosen to bring the Savior into the world.

On the other hand, becoming pregnant at this time in her life would bring shame upon herself and her family. Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, which meant they were legally bound in marriage. And they had not yet consummated their relationship. If the community found out she was pregnant, the news would cause an uproar, bringing shame upon Joseph, Mary, and their families. According to the law, she could even be stoned to death.

By nature, we assume that the greatest joys of life come from our greatest pleasure. However, what we see here is an example of true joy growing from the soil of pain.

Reflection: Is there a situation that is causing confusion or pain for me? How can I view my situation as an opportunity for joy instead of devastation?

Prayer: Lord, sometimes the way you do things seems backwards to me. Open my heart to understand that I can experience true joy, even when the circumstances of real life are painful.