Strange as it may seem joy and sorrow are not mutually exclusive. David spoke of Jesus when he wrote – “Therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than your companions” (Psalm 45:7). Yet, he would also be the “Man of sorrows” prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:3).
It is difficult for us to comprehend that the Man who was “acquainted with the bitterest grief” and who “carried our weakness and was weighed down by our sorrow” (Isaiah 53: 3&4 – NLT), was also to be the one endowed with the greatest joy known to man.
Father’s house then, at this present time, is also a place of the broken heart – a place of tears and sorrow as well as joy and pleasure. As his children weep – our Father weeps, as his children experience pain – he also hurts. I cannot fathom this – but I am assured it is true, for I read – “In all their suffering he also suffered” (Isaiah 63:9 – NLT).
Is it possible to know joy, peace and contentment in the pain, grief, bitterness and sorrow of life? It is – if we dwell in Father’s house! And, this is not a theory – for I have seen it with my own eyes and can testify to it. Millions, even in the face of overwhelming grief and sorrow can say with David – “I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” (Psalm 31:7 – NLT).
To be continued …
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