Joy and Suffering

Joy is essential to spiritual life. Whatever we may think or say about God, when we are not joyful, our thoughts and words cannot bear fruit. Jesus reveals to us God's love so that his joy may become ours and that our joy may become complete. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing--sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death--can take that love away. --Henri Nouwen

For some, sensing that you are loved comes almost naturally. Having parents that loved you and cared for you gave you a sense of belonging. Your life is probably characterized by joy. However, for those of us who were not as fortunate, life may have given us more questions than answers. Joy doesn't come easy.

Believing is the bridge to joy. Believing that the creator of life loves me, brings me joy. God has a plan for my life. He created me and is not finished with me yet. The best is yet to come. Do you have joy in your life? The book of Philippians in the Bible (New Testament) may help. It is a book about a group of folks who were losing their joy. Paul, the author, encourages them in the midst of suffering to get joy. Read the book from this perspective. You may be "surprised by joy."