Joy in Suffering

Saint Therese of Lisieux wrote, "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."

I first read some of Saint Therese's writings about joy in suffering last year during my first year of teaching. I had a cold at the time so what this concept meant to me was thanking God for the gift of a sore throat as the pain united me more closely with the suffering of Christ! A very simple yet powerful way of approaching suffering.

Now that I am in the midst of more serious trial than a cold, having joy in the midst of my suffering has been easier said than done. I am 2 weeks into my hip surgery recovery. I miss my students and the joy they bring me. I miss being able to move and stay busy. I miss walking.

It is easy in these times to fall into a state of depression and desolation. I am facing that now as I struggle to enjoy the same things I used to enjoy, as I cry more than I care to admit, and as I often fail to have the mental energy to keep up with relationships, even my relationship with Christ.

I know logically that finding joy in the midst of even this suffering is possible. I feel in my heart the desire to find joy in this season. It is beyond difficult but I'm learning to accept that I cannot do it on my own. Even the simple act of asking God to help me to have joy changes my heart and my day.

Asking God for joy in suffering is a huge game changer.

As I continue to ask God for the strength to find joy, He shows me little joys throughout my day that allow me to feel small glimpses of light warming my soul. I will talk about some of those little joys in my next post!

Ask God today to give you the desire to find joy in the midst of whatever suffering you may be enduring so that He can use your suffering for good and so that you can come closer to the heart of Jesus Christ who endured the greatest suffering of all.

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