We hear it all the time - choose joy, be happy, smile, let things go, it's all good... but the truth is life HURTS sometimes. It's impossible to stay happy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - especially when we feel like we are under a full attack by the enemy. However, though we may cry, suffer, or ache for a while, we can choose to be filled with joy during those struggles.
One thing we can remember is that nothing we go through here on earth can compare with what Christ endured on the cross for us. While He was hanging there, he bore all of our sin and shame. All of it. Yours, mine, your neighbors... everyone. All at one time. God the Father had to turn His face from His child in that moment. Once we accept the gift of salvation, we can rest assured that we will never experience the pain associated with God turning His face from us. We will never endure the same level of agony that Christ then. Never.
How do we choose joy? How do we find comfort in those moments?
We turn our eyes away from the problem and towards Jesus' face. We focus on Him. Period. As we do, the distractions, the pain, the troubles - they will all fade from view. We will be completely wrapped in His loving embrace and He will carry us through the valley and up the mountain.
We must also remember we are not alone in our struggles. You are never going to be the first to go through something. There is nothing you can face that hasn't been faced by someone before. The times, locations, atmosphere, etc can change, but the root problems do not. We are all in this race together. Not one single person can finish this race until we all do. We must all cross the finish line together. Instead of racing ahead of your brothers and sisters when things are going well, slow down and come beside the, encouraging them along. Instead of throwing your hands in the air, stopping and giving up the race, call out to those in front to help. None of us are mind readers. Sometimes we may not realize that you've fallen behind or are struggling. Speak up! Don't be afraid to reach out. You'll find that many others have been right where you are and can offer you valuable insight to guide you through.
Finally, remember that God can and will bring something good out of every trial. Each difficulty becomes an opportunity for His glory to shine. Keep your eyes and ears open for the good things He wants to show you in the midst of your storms. Ask Him to open your heart to receive these blessings no matter what the circumstances around you are.
A Bible passage that has been resurfacing over and over these past few weeks is Psalm 126:5-6: Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Someone asked me last night why life hurts so much. I've become more comfortable answering this question over the years, but it still breaks my heart to hear so many people searching for the answer to this question. If life was easy and perfect, why would we need a Savior? If we didn't go through trials and struggles, how would we learn to trust God? To rely on Him? If He didn't help us through our lives and hold us in His arms in the tough times, how would we learn how much He loves us? How strong He is? The Bible tells us that these trials will come so that our faith will be proven genuine, and will result in praise, honor and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7). We are being tested. He wants to know our faith is genuine. He didn't promise us a life free of pain and trouble. In fact, He outright told us that we would face many trials and sorrows (John 16:33). But in James, chapter 1, He also says that He will work through these trials, and that they serve a bigger purpose.
Life is not supposed to be easy. It's not supposed to be pain-free. It's a race. Any runner will tell you that running can hurt! However, if you fix your eyes on Jesus and keep running the race with perseverance, there is a much greater joy than you could ever imagine waiting at the finish line. Did you fall down? That's okay! Get up, let Him help dust you off and heal your wounds. Then grab the hand of a fellow runner and keep moving forward. We have work to do!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-2
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