Joy Amidst Sorrow
Posted 03-13-2009 at 03:08 PM by ArmyPoohFan317
It sounds like a dichotomy, joy in the midst of sorrow, but it is true. There is always something to be joyful about. I'm learning that in my job, my counseling classes, conversations with others, Scripture reading, and just by observing life in general.
Yes, my family is dealing with grief right now, and that is never easy. I can quote the textbook definition for the stages of grief and what to expect when, and I can tell ya what I'd recommend to my clients. None of that knowledge though negates the fact that we have to allow ourselves to experience the grief.
Even then it is a sad time, there are things to be joyful about. For one, those of us that are living are growing even closer together, even though we live in multiple states. No matter how much I love my family now, I hope to love them even more tomorrow, and more the day after that. So the love that is shared is something to be joyful about.
The chance it gives me to share God's love with others is something that causes me unending joy. Yes, I'm sad that my step-Grandma is dying of cancer, but I'm excited that it has opened doors to speak about God's love and forgiveness. She would be too.
I'm also full of joy for her. It looks like God is calling her home and pretty soon she is going to be in Heaven! I love life here and I don't want it end before I complete the things on my "Bucket List", but I'm also jealous that she is going to be SEEING CHRIST soon and getting to worship at His feet in a way that we can't here on Earth.
So yes, death is sorrowful and grief generally follows the death of a loved one, but joy should also come as well. God created us to bring Him joy and to be joyfilled ourselves. "Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Praise God!!!
Yes, my family is dealing with grief right now, and that is never easy. I can quote the textbook definition for the stages of grief and what to expect when, and I can tell ya what I'd recommend to my clients. None of that knowledge though negates the fact that we have to allow ourselves to experience the grief.
Even then it is a sad time, there are things to be joyful about. For one, those of us that are living are growing even closer together, even though we live in multiple states. No matter how much I love my family now, I hope to love them even more tomorrow, and more the day after that. So the love that is shared is something to be joyful about.
The chance it gives me to share God's love with others is something that causes me unending joy. Yes, I'm sad that my step-Grandma is dying of cancer, but I'm excited that it has opened doors to speak about God's love and forgiveness. She would be too.
I'm also full of joy for her. It looks like God is calling her home and pretty soon she is going to be in Heaven! I love life here and I don't want it end before I complete the things on my "Bucket List", but I'm also jealous that she is going to be SEEING CHRIST soon and getting to worship at His feet in a way that we can't here on Earth.
So yes, death is sorrowful and grief generally follows the death of a loved one, but joy should also come as well. God created us to bring Him joy and to be joyfilled ourselves. "Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Praise God!!!
Total Comments 0
