UNPACK This...Finding Lasting JoySample

Joy and Sorrow

The 2020 Daytona 500 proved to be one packed with a wide range of emotions.

It was a wild and tight finish with Denny Hamlin finishing .014 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney for the second-closest finish in Daytona 500 history.

The race included a frightening wreck on the final lap involving Ryan Newman. Flipping upside down, sparks flying, and flames igniting, his car crossed the finish line on its roof.

Taken to the nearby hospital, Newman's injuries were serious, but not life-threatening.

With everything happening all at once, Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs Racing team found themselves in a tough spot as they celebrated their victory.

Of course, Hamlin, Gibbs, and the team were excited about their victory, but understandably, the fact that Newman might be fighting for his life tempered their joy.

I find there is a challenging parallel in our own lives. There are times when joy and sadness simultaneously fill our minds, based on our circumstances, or when something exciting is happening in our lives, while someone else is in pain.

The racing team was ecstatic about their win, but also heartbroken about Newman. Similarly, it's easy to feel guilty when things are going well for us while a close friend is enduring a major trial. Still, sometimes we have to acknowledge and embrace both of our emotions.

As followers of Jesus, every day should be filled with joy and gratitude because we are saved and will spend eternity with God.

But this life on earth is also filled with heartache.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6 (NLT) about his hardships as a minister of the Gospel. In verse 10, he says, "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy..."

Despite all of Paul's struggles, he continued the work of the Lord with an attitude of joy. He didn't deny the pain, but was saying he had joy too.

Today, let's keep rejoicing because of Jesus, but at the same time, let's not deny the pain that is also very real.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me joy and comforting me in my pain. Please help me to still rejoice despite the sorrow I feel. I pray I'll have compassion for others who are hurting while also celebrating Your goodness. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

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