Bible Study

Surprised by Joy
By Wendy Jackson

Theologian Henri Nouwen said, “[This] discipline is the hardest one. It is the discipline to be surprised not by suffering but by joy. As we grow old, we will have to stretch out our arms, be guided and led to places we would rather not go. What was true for Peter will be true for us. There is suffering ahead of us, immense suffering, a suffering that will continue to tempt us to think that we have chosen the wrong road and that others were more shrewd than we were. But don't be surprised by pain. Be surprised by joy, be surprised by the little flower that shows its beauty in the midst of a barren desert, and be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain.”

I've really been thinking about joy and suffering a lot the past week, and I've been amazed at the good it has done for my heart to view life through the lenses of joy. There aren't many flowers in the midst of a barren desert, but the ones that are there somehow seem more glorious and noble than the ones that are clustered together in the grass. It might be good for others to stand around enjoying their neatly cultivated gardens, but I suppose it has always been the lot of Christians to set our eyes and hearts toward the desert, and let “the One who is present everywhere and absent only from those unable to perceive Him,” surprise us however He will.

In what ways has God shown you the small (or big) joys of life today? This week?

How can you be the instrument of God’s joy to someone today?

At this time of year, many international students feel homesick and lonely for friends. To which international student on your campus will you bring the joy of friendship?

My prayer for you this week is that we will be able to see all that the Lord would have us to see, and be surprised by the many joys He places before us.