More Than Happy: The Secret to Joy When Life Hurtsનમૂનો

My friend Dave and his dad loved (American) football.

They were Dallas Cowboys fans, loyal to one team for decades, including Super Bowl victories and bitter disappointments. Dave and his dad had always talked about getting together to see a game. So, when his father was diagnosed with cancer, Dave knew they needed to turn this conversation into a plan. So, he purchased tickets for a special Cowboys experience, including field access and a behind-the-scenes tour. They were going to see a game like they had never seen before.

The weekend before the game, Dave was on a cruise with his wife. As they pulled into port, his phone lit up. Immediately, he felt a pit in his stomach. Was this experience going to be taken away? His father's health had declined rapidly, and the special package would have to be canceled. My friend was crushed by grief, and he lost the chance for one more memory with his dad.

However, something unexpected happened. Dave realized the Cowboys were coming to his dad’s city the following weekend. A family member worked every connection until a pair of tickets was found. His father had just enough strength to get to the game with Dave. Weeks later, Dave’s dad passed away.

Dave described that game to me this way: "The amount of joy that came from the idea that I missed and lost the opportunity that I tried to put together, only to be then able to experience it with him in what God sewed together is indescribable.” Through tears, Dave told me something powerful. “Joy doesn't come and remove the pain. It was tough times - praying for healing or removal of the cancer. But the joy we felt that day transcended the pain."

Our enemy whispers this lie: The presence of joy requires the absence of pain. Frederick Buechner wrote, ”Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering with tears in its eyes, even nailed to a tree.”

Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV tells us about where Jesus found joy. “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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

It wasn't an obligation that sent Jesus to the cross. It was joy. How could the most brutal death by the most murderous empire on earth be the source of joy? That's what God does because that's how much He loves you!

Jesus taught his disciples this truth in Matthew 5:11-12 NIV. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

In Acts 5, after the Sanhedrin had the apostles beaten and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, the apostles went out rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer like Jesus had.

The presence of joy does not require the absence of pain. You can hold both at the same time. Tomorrow, we'll look at what keeps us stuck and unable to access the joy God offers.