Finding Joy in the Midst of Pain: Bach's Wachet Auf, Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen

Life is hard. Life is scary. Tragedy looms. Everyone at one point will experience some sort of pain. And apart from personal tragedy, the news if filled with heart-aching article after heart-aching article. So often, we either find distractions, let it stir us to anger, or sink into hopelessness. But, is there a way one can find a deeper joy the midst of tragedy? In the midst of pain? A powerful hope beyond understanding? If so, what does the feel like? What does that sound like? 

Bach's Wachet Auf, Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen sings beautifully a song of one finding a pure joy, a true hope: one that rises above tragedy. One not dependent on any earthy reward. Fittingly Wachet Auf (the title of the entire 7 movement work) means "Wake Up." How does one wake up in midst of pain that feels as numbing as a dream, finding the joy to which we are called? The 4th movement's title Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen means "Zion hears the watchmen singing." In other words, this suggests that such joy (or awakening) is found when the music is heard. 

I recall 2 Corinthians 2:14 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." Paul speaks in such a manner even though he's in the midst of pain and persecution.  It would be difficult, if not impossible, for us to call what he was going through light or momentary. In fact, if I dared to tell anyone going through such trials this, I'd likely experience reign of fury (as would I if the role were reversed). I have difficulty clinging to this type of joy. I'm more of a Mozart from day-to-day, but desperately want to be a Bach, both were familiar to tragedy. All I know, is this song (and much of Bach's music) beautifully illustrates such joy. 

Perhaps, Jesus understood and exemplified the type of joy that this song can only hint at. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." ~Hebrews 12: 1-2