Is it possible to discover joy in the middle of our hurt? I believe we can, but one key factor is to choose to accept the pain.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

We know we will suffer on this side of heaven. But is it possible to discover joy in the middle of our hurt? I believe we can, but one key factor is to choose to accept the pain.

When We Fail to Accept Reality

I am a master at denial. When unexpected circumstances that cause pain show up, my first impulse is to pretend the hurt isn’t valid. Or—I try hard to wish it away.

Do you struggle to accept reality when it is painful?

Although initially, denial seems bliss, haven’t you found hiding always brings about more suffering, not less? It is exhausting trying to hide from the pain. Plus, the hurt usually bursts out in some other form, like anger. But the most damaging part about denial is how it tends to rob us of the joy in the moment.

Denying reality never changes our circumstances.
Wishing reality was different never changes the facts.
But accepting reality allows us to move forward and discover more joy.

Maree dee
Although initially, denial seems bliss, haven't you found hiding always brings about more suffering, not less? It is exhausting trying to hide from the pain. #pain #discoverjoy #joy Share on X

How Do We Accept the Pain?

  • First, I would turn to God and ask for help. He is the best comforter you will ever find.
  • Then allow yourself to feel the emotion without judging it right or wrong.
  • Name the pain and validate the ache.
  • Then practice accepting whatever hurts all the way. It helps me to say aloud, “It is what it is.”

This approach allows us to find our new normal. We are then able to move forward instead of being stuck in denial. It will help us to see two feelings or thoughts can be true at the same time. We can feel pain and joy, and one does not have to cancel the other out.

When you choose to accept the pain do you discover more joy?

Featured Post

Amanda Baker wrote a beautiful article last week. She helps us to see a major benefit when we suffer. However, she doesn’t leave us solely with the answer but encourages us to give out what we received from God.

Now for our Featured Post

One Benefit of Suffering

By Amanda Baker

Click here to read.

Today, our featured post on Grace & Truth Link-Up is written by Amanda Baker— “One Benefit of Suffering.” #graceandtruth #featuredpost #graceandtruth #featuredpost Share on X

Now Let’s Link Up

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee is honored to present campaigns, share resources, and engage in discussions to make a difference.

Will you show your support by participating in one or more of the activities on our page?

Mental Health Awareness Month

We would love to have you join our community.

Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee

Subscribe today and never miss a post!


To find a few of my favorite places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

9 Comments

    1. Lisa, Glad to know I am not alone. Yes, I have a plaque that says, “It Is What It Is.” When I say it aloud, it helps me to accept my circumstances. Otherwise, I get stuck wishing things were different. Blessings, Maree

    1. Yes, Barbara’s comment was wonderful. Thank you for reading and commenting. Did you recently change or add your picture? It is darling. Blessings, Maree

  1. That’s so true–fighting against something in our lives can be exhausting. It can also be exhausting to fight against what we think *might* happen. The sooner we accept whatever it is God allows, the sooner we can receive God’s help and comfort.