Mourning And Rejoicing

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15(NIV) 

  

  In the past couple of weeks I have been to both a funeral and a wedding reception. The one juxtaposed against the other was as different as night and day. The sadness, the sorrow, and the weeping at the funeral was heartbreaking. Yet the wedding reception involved rejoicing, happiness, and smiles all around. 

  That is the way of life; one day involves crying, and the next is filled with laughter. Just as sunshine follows rain, our lives can see changes that arrive as quickly as the weather fronts that come and go. 

  It is proper that we mourn with those who have suffered a terrible loss. And who does not feel joy at a young couple beginning their life fresh together?  

  I think we must look at the changes within our own lives in a similar fashion. There are seasons that are dark and grim, and during such times it is both normal and healthy to express our frustrations and disappointments to God. Likewise, it would be ungrateful to fail to thank God during seasons of our life when we are immensely blessed. 

  The key to surviving and enjoying the changing seasons of life is to keep them all in perspective. You know as you look at the young couple celebrating their marriage that they will have hard, challenging years ahead. That does not stop you from rejoicing with them. The key is to invite the Lord into that marriage so it will succeed through all they will experience over the years. Likewise, even as you mourn with those who have lost their loved one, you know that death down here means rejoicing in heaven as that loved one who has passed over is reunited with loved ones and friends who have gone before them, and they will see Jesus! 

You also know that the day of sorrow for those left behind will give way to better days of sunshine and laughter when the mourning ends. Yes, there will always be an empty space in their hearts and lives, yet they too will one day reunite with that one who crossed over. They must give way to joy again and live well the life that God has given them here. 

  Weeping and rejoicing are facts of this life, and while we live here we must be prepared for both. One day there will only be rejoicing as we go to be with the Lord, until then let’s live our life to the fullest, making room for the joy and pain. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, good days and bad days come to us all, fortify us with Your word and Spirit and give us the ability to both mourn and rejoice until that day comes when there are no more tears. Amen. 

  

Karlton Douglas copyright 2017