Joy And Adversity

Until you have experienced it, one of the most difficult things to understand in life is the fact that there can be joy even in adversity. Even just reading the words it seems like an impossibility; joy in adversity? Besides the illogic of it all, the adversary will do all in his power to convince anyone, especially in times of adversity, that it is absurd to even think such a things is possible. But it is real.

While flying home from Austin a few weeks ago I had an experience that helped me understand how this works. A heavy down pour of rain kept the plane we were to fly out on from landing. A weary voice kept making reassuring announcements over the PA system that the plane had arrived but was circling overhead waiting for the rain to stop so it could land. Finally the rain let up, the plane landed, we boarded and took off. Even though it had stopped raining enough for us to take off, the sky weighed down on earth in an oppressive darkness, and it was only seconds after we left the ground that we were swallowed up in dark, gray clouds. I couldn’t even see to the end of the plane’s wing. But I knew that the pilot was not navigating by sight. He had instruments and was connected to a control tower that guided him. As long as he paid attention to the instruments and flew the plane according to all the rules we would be guided to our destination.

As I thought about this, the plane suddenly broke through the clouds into brilliant sunlight that sent a jolt of surprised joy through me. I looked down to see that the dark storm clouds still covered the earth. The joy didn’t come because the storm had ended, but by listening to the control tower and using the instruments the plane had transcended the storm.

Adversity in life is like that. It doesn’t always go away, but by following the commandments and listening to the “control tower” we can be lifted above the trials and adversity and feel joy despite them.