“When I said, ‘My feet are slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Ps. 94, verses 18 – 19).
For several days, I had been experiencing joint and back pain. I couldn't stop complaining and talking about my physical pain, adopting a defeatist attitude. I didn't realize that this was affecting my state of mind and relationships with my family, but my daughters noticed because I didn't laugh at their jokes or participate in their conversations. I remained serious and didn't express emotions. My older daughter asked me:
- Mom, why aren't you laughing?
Several answers crossed my mind. All were logical excuses related to the pain I was experiencing. But then the Lord prompted me to change my attitude.
The Holy Spirit has blessed us with the gift of joy. Instead of focusing on my pain, weakness, and fatigue, I could choose to lean on the unwavering joy in God. When I started laughing again with my children, my soul felt lighter, and my demeanor transformed.
We can live joyfully, even amid our pain. The Lord gives us the satisfaction of joy when we align our will with His.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2025-07-31
* Bible verses are from Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013