I Sing Through Pain and Into Joy

Joy, in its most unexpected and radiant form, often blossoms in the unlikeliest of places. In the parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a man who finds treasure buried in a field then, in his joy, he sells all he has to buy that field. Many of us imagine a picturesque meadow worth purchasing, but life’s reality rarely mirrors such beauty.

Often, the field we’re given looks more like a barren wasteland scraps of dirt, weeds, broken glass, and spiritual fatigue. Yet hidden beneath this ugly soil lies eternal treasure, waiting to be unearthed through suffering, prayer, and perseverance. For those who dare to dig deep into that field, joy is not only possible it’s inevitable.

Finding Gold in Affliction

In the early days of my paralysis, when despair clouded every horizon, I stumbled upon something far greater than I imagined. I unearthed treasure not gold or health, but Christ Himself, and a joy that made every earthly loss seem light in comparison.

Through prayer and Scripture, I found in Jesus a depth of joy that goes far beyond circumstantial happiness. I struck spiritual gold. The longer I mined this painful field, the more I discovered God is not just joy-filled. He is the source of joy itself. Jesus says in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

But joy doesn’t come on our terms. God, as sovereign King, shares His joy on His terms and those terms include suffering. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” The path to lasting joy is paved with trials.

Singing Through Suffering

It’s hard to rejoice when you’re hurting. Hope can feel distant, even vague. That’s why Romans 12:12 is such a lifeline: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” All three commands are difficult when you’re suffering but none more so than rejoicing in hope.

How can joy be commanded? Because it reflects the worth of Christ. If Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2), how much more should we cultivate joy for His sake? Our joy is not rooted in comfort or ease, but in Christ’s finished work and the hope of eternal glory.

So, when sorrow creeps in, I sing. I belt out hymns rich with doctrine and truth hymns that push back the darkness and anchor my soul. Songs like “Crown Him with Many Crowns” stir my affections for Christ and give voice to a weary but worshipful heart:

Awake, my soul, and sing
Of him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity!

Filling the Heart with Good Things

Joy doesn’t flourish in a heart overrun by distractions. That’s why I avoid television shows or media that dull my soul. I choose instead to fill my mind with Scripture, poetry, meaningful conversations, and stories that point to eternal truths. Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Whatever is true… honorable… just… pure… lovely… commendable… think about these things.”

When I feel overwhelmed, I crowd my heart with Christ. I pursue beauty that lifts the soul, friendships that point me to Jesus, and truth that fuels endurance.

Serving Those Who Suffer

Suffering easily turns inward. But Christ calls us to look outward just as He did from the cross. Even while being crucified, Jesus cared for His mother, forgave His enemies, and welcomed a criminal into paradise (Luke 23:34, 43; John 19:26–27).

So I do the same. I serve those who hurt worse than I do. Through Joni and Friends, I minister to families affected by disability around the world. Giving joy to others strengthens my own. The more I pour into their lives, the less I’m tempted to dwell on my pain.

Resilient Joy

True joy is resilient. It doesn’t ask, “How much more can I take?” It adapts. It springs back. It endures because it rests not on what is seen, but on what is promised. As 2 Corinthians 4:17 declares, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

And so, even in my wheelchair, even with relentless pain, I can say with Paul. “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). This kind of joy isn’t shallow or fleeting it’s deep, Spirit-born, and anchored in eternity.

In a 2024 Barna study, more than 70% of Christians said they struggle to find joy in prolonged suffering, and yet among those who consistently practiced prayer, worship, and service, 88% reported an increase in hope and emotional stability. Joy is not reserved for the pain-free it grows most powerfully in suffering, where Christ is closest.

No Time to Waste

That crowning day is coming the day when Christ will present us “before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24). And I want to bring Him joy by being joyful in my trials.

So I return to my “ugly field” each day my body, broken and weary; my pain, relentless and real. I lift my pick and shovel once again. Why? Because I know there’s treasure here.

This field may look worthless to the world, but I have discovered it hides a kingdom of riches. And my Savior, who saw fit to give it to me, will walk every step of the way with me until that great day when joy is no longer mingled with sorrow, but explodes in unending praise.

Joy is not an option. It is commanded for the sake of Christ, for the glory of God, and for the witness of His worth to a watching world.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement in their suffering, or subscribe to our newsletter for more stories of hope.