Job 6:10a- “Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain—”
I recently heard a story about Austrian concert pianist, Paul Wittgenstein. In 1914, while serving in active duty in WWI, he was shot in the elbow and his right arm was amputated.
One would think this would be devastating, ending a brilliant career. But that was not the case.
During his recovery, he wrote to his teacher asking for a concerto for the left hand alone. Following the war’s end, he studied intensely and reclaimed his career. He gave hundreds of concerts throughout Europe, playing pieces arranged for the left hand alone.
I vowed that if times of self-pity should come, I would remember this brave man whose attitude made it possible for him to still experience joy in his life after such tragic circumstances.
The Bible tells the story of Job, whose wealth, children, and physical health were taken from him.
Not only did Job not curse God, but we learn that he was able to experience true joy in the midst of those trials.
This can be of great comfort to those who are experiencing physical illnesses, family problems, financial struggles.
But, how is it possible that during times of dire circumstances one could find joy?
Like Job, our faith sustains us. We look to God to be our strength. We lean on Him and the promises in His Word.
We look at these times, not as obstacles to our joy, but as times of refreshing.
We view them as vehicles to deepen our dependance on God and draw us in close relationship with him.
We do not allow our trials to defeat us, but instead look at them as opportunities to change us, inwardly, to refine our character, to transform our hearts— to fulfill His new purpose in us.
Can we experience the “joy that comes in the morning?”
Our Lord says we can. He will restore us anew, whether in this life or in the one to come.
The Bible says He is faithful and He will do it.
He gives us His Word.
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