Do you wonder how it is possible to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing as the Bible exhorts us?
I avoided looking at photos in these first months after my husband died. I simply could not stand the piercing pain stabbing my heart when my eyes fell on his face, smiling from a photo.
Maybe you too miss a loved one. Then you know this heavy mixture of sorrow, grief, sadness, discontent, and anxiety. Then you feel this emptiness and aching longing too.
I am honored to share a little about my story and thoughts on the secret of being sorrowful, yet always rejoicing at TitusTwo today.
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It is Possible to Be Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing
But God tells us in His word that we can be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. (2 Corinthians 6:10) This sounds quite strange but possible. Yes, it is possible to feel simultaneously sadness and joy, weakness and strength, discouragement, and hope.
Below is a sneak peek and I hope you will head over to TitusTwo to read the rest and learn how we can be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.
What is the joy that God speaks about in this verse? Why can we always rejoice even in our sorrows and troubles?
This is not an ordinary joy, not just a fleeting emotion or carefree happiness. This is not a joy born from favorable circumstances when everything goes as planned, and it seems we have everything we wished for. No, not that kind of joy.
The Secret of Being Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing
The secret of being sorrowful, yet always rejoicing is the source of joy – God Himself.
When we turn our attention from the sources of our sorrows and pains and focus on the Lord acknowledging His loving presence and His daily care and provision, our emotions shift.
Our minds can rest, and hope rises to disperse the darkness of painful emotions. Connected with the Source of living water, joy starts to burst into the depths of our hearts.
The joy of the Lord is a light mixture of quiet confidence, peace, hope, gladness, gratitude, praise, and awe, rooted in the awareness that we are never left alone, nor forsaken. We find this joy, especially in our troubles and sorrows.
Read the rest of the post at TitusTwo and be strengthened and encouraged.
More Encouragement for You
If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you struggle with sorrow and grief, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu
Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert
Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst
Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley
Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge
All Things New by John Eldredge
Your Turn
In which situations did you experience sorrow and joy? Share in the comments and on social media if this article has encouraged you. Thanks.
The joy of the Lord is a light mixture of quiet confidence, peace, hope, gladness, gratitude, praise, and awe, rooted in the awareness that we are never left alone, nor forsaken. #joy #hope #gratitude #encouragement Share on XDo you want to watch this post as a vlog? Click HERE. If you found it helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks!
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Thank you for sharing so openly your powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness through the darkest and most difficult times . May God’s love continue to sustain you in the days to come!
Amen! Thanks so much for your encouraging words and prayers, Sharon!
Having faith at our most truly vulnerable is a blessing. Your sorrow has given you wisdom and it’s a gift you so generously share. Thank you for providing hope and encouragement that there are better days ahead.
Thanks so much, Ana, for your encouraging words! Truly there are many lessons and hidden blessings in our sorrows if want to embrace them.
Thank you for sharing about being sorrowful yet having joy. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s true, the assurance that God is always with us is so comforting. I’ve never felt truly alone, no matter the circumstances, and that has made such a difference in my life. Thank you for writing about your struggles so honestly and openly.
Thanks so much, Lisa, for sharing your experience! I am glad that you have never felt truly alone, this is such a blessing… Happy that the post encouraged you.