Joy and Suffering – Two Unlikely Partners

Can joy and suffering coexist? The Bible tells us not only can they, but they should, in the life of any Christian that is walking in the will of the Lord. To people in the world this seem folly. They say it is not possible to have joy when you are going through a difficult trial. Even Christians have a hard time reconciling these two seemingly opposite states of being. I believe this is so for two main reasons.

First, many people equate joy with happiness and say how can you be happy when you are suffering? It is important to understand that happiness and joy are not the same. Happiness is a feeling that is based on circumstances and it can change from happiness to sorrow very quickly if circumstances change. For example, if I give you $1,000 you are bound to be happy. But if someone breaks into your home and steals much of your valuables, I doubt you will be very happy. But joy is not just a feeling, it is far more. Joy is something you can always have because it is based on obedience to the word of God. I like to define joy as part feeling, part mental state of mind, and part knowledge that you are doing something that is pleasing to the Lord. And when you are doing something pleasing to the Lord, joy should always follow. So, let’s not confuse joy with happiness.

Second, many Christians have never done a study on the concept of joy and suffering from the Bible. Let’s look at several Scripture passages to see how joy and suffering can be companions and not enemies.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew (5:11-12)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James (1:2-3)

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So, they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts (5:40-41)

I hope you can see that when we are walking in obedience to the Lord, sometimes we will have to suffer, but Jesus promises us joy as we go through the ordeal. Remember what I said earlier that joy is that calm assurance that we are doing things that please Jesus. Well when we do this, no matter how difficult the suffering, we can rest in the Lord and experience the joy that can only come from serving Jesus. In closing I leave you to ponder this wonderful verse: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah (8:10).