Pain: The Dark Side of Joy

We've had some news that has changed our lives. And, brought great pain. So, I've been sitting with it. In the past I've run from pain and tried to fill that space with something else, even upbeat prayers. For now, at this point in my life, I'm realizing that it's okay to hurt. To sit quietly, and feel the grief born of frustration, misunderstanding, and even deliberate acts.

How can I do this? Well, I know my physician. God takes very personally the pain of his people. In fact, I'm clinging to the Bible's words that he stores every tear that falls in a bottle. Imagine, a bottle of tears, precious to God, with your name on it. And mine.

And, one day, he will wipe every tear away. And we will be in his presence forever. Realizing, He's so worth it.

So, I encourage you to take your pain to God. Make it an offering, an act of worship, a living sacrifice. And wait for the sun to rise again. With him, all things are always made new. And that is why I can have joy, even in the midst of pain.