The world says numb it. Hustle past it. Fake smile through it.
But James 1:2 says something that sounds almost offensive: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds."
Let's be clear — this isn't toxic positivity. This isn't "good vibes only." This is a man writing to persecuted believers telling them that suffering has a PURPOSE. Not a brand. Not a caption. A purpose.
Toxic positivity denies pain. Biblical joy sits in the middle of it and says, "God is still working." There's a canyon between pretending you're fine and trusting that your trial is producing something eternal.
Your pain is not wasted. Your struggle is not pointless. God is building character in you that comfort never could.
So here's the real question: Are you numbing your pain or letting God use it?