We question even God: "Why did you bring me forth from the womb? Would that I had died before any eye had seen me, and were as though I had not been, carried from the womb to the grave" (Job 10:18-19).

The state of pain and despair is a desert state. Devoid of even a drop of the water of joy, our hearts become a desert assailed by sandstorms.

When showers of the word of God fall like rain on desert-like hearts that are harassed by all kinds of trails, sorrows and presecutions, they are filled with joy. The word of God consoles them, gladdens them. Let those who complain of unhappiness, therefore regularly read God's word. Let them distil all the joy they need from it. Let them be able to say: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart" (Jer 15:16). Let us pray: "O Lord, let fall showers of the word that fill us with joy. Send new, fresh drops of the word into our sorrow-drenched hearts. Fill with joy our inner being left high and dry by the experience of pain and grief.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything but in eveything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).

To those agonizing in the midst of troubles and anxieties, this passage gives joy and consolation. It is while in prison that St Paul wrote these words to the Philippines. Though he was suffering the afflictions of imprisonment, he exhorted the Philippines to rejoice. This exhortation is repeated throughout the epistle.

Why does the Apostle advise his people again and again to rejoice? For the simple reason that there is no need for man to grieve at any time. In other words there is no reason why we should not be happy always. We can rejoice in the Lord even in the midst of sorrow. This joy is not merely a worldly joy. It is a joy of the spirit. The Lord dwells in the hearts of all men. The word of God says we should rejoice in that Lord. When we are convinved that our Lord and Saviour is within us, no deprivation can pain us. The joy in the Lord will never be taken away from us.

"No one will take your joy from you" (Jn 16:22). The next verse tells us, "Let your gentleness be known to everyone."

We should let others know that we can forgive, that we can suffer. We should be able to forgive everyone wholeheartedly; get rid of all bitterness and hurt that lie deep in our hearts. Thus when there is total forgiveness, we shall be able to recognize the Lord who is near to us, with us.

"Do you not realise that Jesus Christ is in you?" (2 Cor 13:5)

Once we became aware of the nearness of God, what should we do? Never be anxious about anything. Never despair, however deep the grief. Instead, make our requests to God through prayers and petitions and praise and thanksgiving. Even while making our petitions there should be thanksgiving in our hearts.

The results are marvellous. The peace of God that surpasses all our expectations will fill our hearts and minds. All our ideas about peace and happiness will be nothing compared to the reality. Once we possess this peace no sorrow can unnerve us.

"We are... as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor 6:10). We will be transformed into people who rejoice in the Lord. We will be capable of rejoicing in the spirit. We shall, like our Blessed Mother Mary, sing, "My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour" (Lk 1:14). "Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous" (Ps 33:1).

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