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“Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing”

Excerpted from Sifted: Diary of a Grieving Mother by Karen Harmening

NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Thanksgiving and Christmas are here, such exciting and precious times to celebrate family and the rich blessings of God. Greetings of “Happy” and “Merry” are at every turn. The words “Joy” and “Rejoice” are in the air now more than at any other time of year. As a result, I’ve been meditating at length on what it means torejoice, particularly what it means to rejoice while walking through the valley of the shadow of death. 

I think sometimes when we talk about rejoicing we mistakenly interpret it as gleeful exuberance, perhaps accompanied by visions of singing in the rain or dancing in the park. We may even mistakenly believe that if sorrow or grief are present then rejoicing can not or must not be present. To believe so would rob us of one of the most poignant expressions of rejoicing, though. 

Saved and lost alike rejoice in the good times of life. Times of health, wealth, and blessing are welcomed with giddy excitement and celebration appropriately called rejoicing. But there is a deeper rejoicing than this. 

There is a deeply resonating joy derived from hope in the midst of tribulation and tragedy (Rom. 12:12). This rejoicing is not evidenced by the expression of festive celebratory feelings but is instead characterized by the peace of confident hope that rests squarely on God and His promises. This is the rejoicing of the redeemed that defies worldly logic as it exists even amid piercing pain and streams of tears. 

I am convinced there is a uniquely sweet and profound expression of rejoicing forged only in the hearts of those who walk in intimacy with Christ through fiery ordeals. Paul wrote, “Rejoice always,” yet he also wrote, “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart” (1 Thess. 5:16; Rom. 9:1-2). In 2 Corinthians he describes the tremendous hardships and abuses he has endured and describes himself as “sorrowful yet always rejoicing” (v. 6:10). 

There is an incomparable rejoicing that is birthed through the marriage of steadfast faith and great sorrow. It is a rejoicing that is reverent, sober, and soul-stirring. It is the rejoicing evidenced by praise flowing out of immeasurable heartbreak, as tear-streaked faces proclaim, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). 

Our risen Savior was described as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). He Himself wept at the sting of death (John 11:35). He is our Great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. He was tempted in all things as we are and He lives to intercede continually for us. He’s beckoning all, but particularly the broken-hearted, weary, and heavy-laden among us to confidently draw near to His throne of grace. He lovingly waits to lavishly dispense His grace and mercy to powerfully enable us to persevere, “sorrowful yet always rejoicing” (Heb. 4:15-16; 2 Cor. 6:1-10).