Joy in Sorrow

5/9 Reading Portions: Numbers 17-18; Psalm 55; Isaiah 7; James 1

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5/9 Reading Portions: Numbers 17-18; Psalm 55; Isaiah 7; James 1

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

ELATION

We certainly recognize that Jesus was God’s suffering Servant, the Man of Sorrows who was well acquainted with grief (Isa 53:3). We also understand that the Lord Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows, as He was filled with more joy than any other man, woman, or child who ever lived (Psa 45:7). Many of us tend to compartmentalize the truths of Christ’s nature and character because it’s neat and easy for our finite minds to grasp. Preachers will often describe these two contrasting realities as being two different sides of the same coin. And why not? For we define God’s mercy and His justice the same way— as well as God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Nevertheless, if we think about it long enough, we’ll find that the definition is sadly lacking— which may be why many choose not to think about it too long.

You see, it’s not a flip of the coin with the Almighty. God doesn’t turn off His wrath to dispense His mercy. Both attributes exist in His infinite, eternal, and glorious nature. He is both just and merciful because that is His nature and character; God is both sovereign and longsuffering; He is both gracious and commanding. It is likewise with His only begotten Son. Jesus is both joyful and sorrowful because it is His nature to be so. The cross was the object of His joy and loathing (Heb 12:2).

Since it is God’s plan and design to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:28-29), we should find joy in our sorrows, and blessings in our trials. They are not hidden blessings. They are open when rooted in Christ, being filled with Christ. We find in ourselves the greatest and fullest elation in Jesus because His holy presence moves us with the greatest grief and sorrow over the sin which remains in the world, as well as the sin remaining in our mortal flesh, until He comes again. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Jesus was God’s suff’ring Servant,
Yet knew joy and pure delight;
In perfect concord, Christ triumphant—
Conduct comely in God’s sight.