In 1989, Hip Hop artists Rob Base and D.J. EZ Rock released a single called Joy and Pain. The lyrics to the chorus' hook may be familiar to some, "Joy and pain. Like sunshine and rain." One might think that these two entities (joy and pain) are disconnected polar opposites that can't coexist. But don't you love it when beautiful and refreshing showers crack through a sunny, rainbow-filled sky? Guitarist Carlos Santana said, "If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment." The dictionary defines JOY as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
The apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22 reveals that JOY is a fruit or manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Joy is to be evident in the life of Believers in Jesus. The Lexicon says the Greek chara: gladness, rejoicing, or delight— is present because God is favorably disposed and extending His grace toward us. He is leaning in our direction, and we recognize it. Isn't that Good News! The old folks used to sing, "This joy that I have, the world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away!"
During Lent, preachers around the world are tasked with juxtaposing the pain of Jesus' Crucifixion, and the joy of His Resurrection. We gain an understanding of how these two complement each other in Hebrews 12:1-2.
"1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Christ's amazing love, grace, and mercy compelled and empowered Him to suffer and die for us. We didn't deserve His sacrifice (we were guilty)...neither did He (He was innocent). One songwriter said, "It wasn't the nails that held Him to the tree...it was love that held Him There." Jesus was moved with compassion—the willingness to suffer on our behalf. He did it in faith and expectation, not only for His own resurrection: but for the future. His Kingdom brothers and sisters on earth would come to salvation. One day, we who believe will all rise from the dead and live with Him eternally forever in Heaven. Scripture says, The JOY of the LORD is our strength. It is a portion of the blessing we receive from identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ. How's your JOY been lately? | 
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