Paul Rejoices in Pain

The apostle Paul experienced radical transformation in his coming to Christ. The Lord intervened on the road to Damascus, and Paul surrendered to a life of obedience and faithfulness. While his past was marked by darkness, his future was infiltrated with light. 

Philippians is a book that often comes to mind when reflecting on what it means to choose joy in the midst of suffering. The four chapters take us on a so-called “joy ride”, as we hear powerful truths from Paul who is imprisoned in Rome. It is hard for us to imagine what the conditions of a Roman prison were truly like. Unlike what we may know of prisons today, Paul was essentially underground, wearing chains and shackles. The likelihood of water coming in over top of him was high, and the quarters were incredibly tight. For anyone who is prone to claustrophobia, this would be a nightmare. 

In the most horrific of circumstances, Paul made the decision to rejoice in the Lord always. For those of you who have been around church any length of time, you are likely familiar with Philippians 4:13. It says, “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” We often see Christian athletes quote this verse. Perhaps, it is even written in your Instagram bio. At times and if we are not careful, this verse, among the rest of Scripture, can become about us. We adopt this mindset that we are the conquerors of life, and God is simply a nearby helpmate. 

Paul understood that absolutely nothing about his ministry hinged on himself. Apart from Christ, he was nothing and could do nothing. Take a moment to consider Paul’s life before receiving salvation. He persecuted and killed Christians on a regular basis. He executed cruel punishment for those who claimed the name of the Lord. In every regard, he was an enemy of the Christian population. As a redeemed and forgiven apostle, Paul lived in such a way that denied his own preferences and comfort. Paul knew that in order to effectively preach the Gospel, he was to be emptied of anything within him that hindered Christ shining through him. 

Being able to do all things through Christ who gives us strength means we humbly acknowledge our depravity before a holy God. We admit to being weak, knowing that in our weakness, He is made strong. The Holy Spirit is not a crutch we lean on but the person we call on. He has made his dwelling place within those who follow Jesus. Our needs are perfectly met in and through Him. As we dwell in the presence of the Lord, we experience joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Our human tendencies that are marred by the reality of our sin nature are challenged and sanctified as we pursue holiness. 

So, is joy obtainable in the midst of suffering? The answer is absolutely. Joy will not mirror happiness, and it cannot be found in the world around us. Authentic joy is found in Christ alone. Just as Paul received the free gift of eternal life on the road to Damascus, we too have been adopted into the sonship of our Lord. Our inheritance is peace and joy in Christ. 

There will be trials in this life, and at times, the call to worship will be an afterthought. Worship is a declaration of praise lifted to the only name that is worthy, King Jesus. Our praise to God is not dependent on the positivity of our situation. Worship is responding to who God is in spite of what we are facing. To rejoice always, we must harbor the truth of God in our hearts. As we seek to know Him deeply, our faith will begin to rest in His character that never changes rather than the circumstances that always do.

Choosing joy is not be the same thing as pretending to be okay.  Accepting help, requesting prayer, and being transparent about your struggle is not a lack of joyful response. In fact, God delights in our community with fellow believers. Remember that while you are fighting a very personal battle, you do not always have to do it privately. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom about inviting trusted people to journey with you. Paul had sincere relationships with churches and specific individuals. He both mentored others and received mentorship himself. There is beauty in linking arms with prayer warriors who have your best interest in mind. 

May we choose joy because we have been chosen by God. In our sin, Christ came to us in perfect love and supernatural grace. He has given us a new identity and a hope that lasts. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Helper promises to lead us. Rejoice always, I say it again, rejoice.