Sabbath Devotional: In Joy and Pain

The third verse of the hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Annie S. Hawks begins, “I need thee every hour, In joy or pain.”

This phrase has been on my mind over the last several weeks. Our niece was married at the end of September. She radiated pure joy. I was reminded of Fleur Delacour’s wedding day, when “her radiance . . . beautified everybody it fell upon.” Likewise, our niece’s joy radiated to everyone around her. It was a beautiful day of celebration.

That same weekend, we learned that another family member has an advanced medical condition. The realization of his situation weighed on us heavily.

Just a week and a half later, a different family member unexpectedly passed away. The grief of this loss was consuming, as anyone who has lost a family member to suicide can attest. The family decided to have his memorial service while we were all together the following weekend to celebrate my son’s return from his mission.

I found myself hosting a missionary homecoming and a memorial service the same day. As I prayed that Sunday morning, I asked Heavenly Father to bless me to be able to be fully present — in celebration and in mourning. I did not want one occasion to overshadow the other. Both are important to experience.

I am very grateful that the Lord answered this prayer for me. My son testified powerfully of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We rejoiced in his faith and service, and in being together again. A couple of hours later, we gathered as a smaller group to honor our family member. We focused on him and his life, again reflecting on the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I experienced the reality of the hymn. I need the Savior every hour, in joy and in pain. And He is there. His presence filled us with rejoicing and with comfort. He helped us to grieve and to celebrate. Through it all, we felt powerfully of His love for us. Weddings, funerals, health crises, and returning missionaries all reinforce and deepen feelings of familial love. We are more patient with one another. More grateful for time together. More appreciative of sacrifices made to be present. And more aware of the Savior’s presence.

Truly, we need the Savior in joy and in pain. May we always seek Him to be with us.  

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Megan Rawlins Woods is the nonpartisan root senior director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government.