How to Successfully Conquer Pain and Celebrate with Wonder
I recently had an a-ha! I wasn’t looking for this bit of new knowledge. In fact, I chose to push this tidbit down, so I didn’t have to deal with it. However, God brought it to light as I spent time in His Word.
The Task of Packing
Several days previous to my conversation with God, I noticed I wasn’t worrying about the sell of our house. Neither was I overly concerned about choosing a new house. I felt as if the circumstance was a non-issue.
Every day I faithfully packed boxes along with my other responsibilities. I heard myself tell others when they asked how I was doing, “I have a task before me, and I am doing the task.” I set a goal to pack at least four boxes every day, and I diligently accomplished my goal.
The Task of Writing
During my moments with Jesus, I asked Him what I should write about in my next blog. I definitely had writer’s block. The previous day, I roamed my house doing random tasks as I tried to force creativity from my brain.
I suggested to Jesus a blog on wonder. I recently encountered the idea both in a book I am currently reading, and a podcast I listened to. Jesus listened patiently as I discussed how the idea seemed to match well with the idea of celebrating in the month of July.
A Step of Honesty
I admitted wonder was presently difficult for me. Normally, I don’t struggle with wonder. I find the world and people fascinating. Wonder charges my battery and amps up the fun for me.
Jesus gently pointed out I was blocking my emotions. He directed me to examine why I became so matter of fact about packing. Christ opened the door, and I saw my grief and fear associated with our move in wild living color
Here’s what I know. You can’t just block one emotion. If you successfully block an emotion, you also successfully block other emotions. So, I wasn’t just suppressing my grief and fear, I was also squelching joy, wonder, tender reflection, and genuine gratitude. In my effort to manage a difficult season, I inadvertently eliminated those things that would enable me to survive well.
A God of Celebration
I firmly believe God is a God of celebration. He commanded the Israelites to observe several feasts every year so they would remember the goodness of God. When an Israelite brought a thanksgiving offering, they shared the meat with others in celebration of God’s provision. The Psalmist tells us “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Psalms 118:24, NLT) In addition, Paul tells us in Philippians “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, CSB)
The Struggle to Celebrate
However, we don’t live in a perfect world. Therefore, we live within the tension of joy amid grief, happiness amid disappointment, and courage amid fear. God blessed us with emotions; all emotions are part of a fully experienced life.
None of us are to wallow in our negative emotions. The Bible tells us not to fear, as well as “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, CSB) We must acknowledge our dissenting emotions and then bring them to our Sovereign Lord who is our source of peace, joy, hope, and strength.
Open Your Pain to God
When we go through the process of identifying our contrary emotions, then bring them to Almighty God, we open ourselves to His goodness and grace. Then our Heavenly Father, the giver of all good gifts, blesses us with emotions and attitudes that will sustain us through our difficult circumstances.
I don’t know how your July has been. Perhaps you’ve experienced a formidable summer like I have. I hope you have known joy, laughter, and moments of great refreshment. However, we will all face seasons when wonder and delight are a challenge to find.
God still wants us to celebrate. He longs for us to know He gives us life abundant with His goodness even when our days are dark or gloomy. If you can’t find any wonder, you must sit with Jesus and talk about how you are hurting. Allow Him to place His sweet balm on your spirit and begin the process to heal your soul.
Celebrate with Wonder
As July draws to an end, will you celebrate with wonder? Look for moments, images, people, and/or experiences that make you smile, think “Wow!,” lead you on a curious quest, cause you to pause, or challenge you to jump into whatever fun is going on. I’m taking my stuffed emotions to Jesus, and I’m on the hunt for wonder. I hope you’ll join me.
Wonderland Photo by Nicole Baster on Unsplash
