From Sorrow to Joy

Chuckle: "Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now!"

Quote: "Faith is knowing there is an ocean because you have seen a brook." --William Arthur Ward

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9 NIV)

In your mind's eye, travel with me back in time to the triumphant entry of our Lord into Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. He was welcomed as the long awaited Messiah and King with shouts of joy and praise. The path, over which He traveled on a donkey, was strewn with palm branches and cloaks from the revelers. It was truly a festive occasion for so many, But they were totally unaware how things would change before the week was out, and that their hero and source of joy would be crucified and His body laid in a borrowed tomb. It wasn't until Jesus' resurrection from the dead after three days that their sorrow could be erased, their joy restored, and their hopes fulfilled.

Imagine the roller-coaster nature of their emotions as the week unfolded. They went from extreme joy to devastating disappointment, sorrow, fear, and uncertainty. Their experiences will cause most of our disappointments to pale in comparison. However, you may have experienced similar feelings about things that have happened, or are happening in your life.

Perhaps you were looking forward to a new job, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or an exciting professional opportunity. Perhaps you praised and thanked God for the opportunities you were experiencing or anticipating. Then circumstances beyond your control destroyed your plans and left you distraught and depressed. If your emotions have gone from great joy to great sadness, it's important that you keep your eyes on our Lord and realize that He is in control and will, in His own time, restore your joy.

Remember, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 NIV). So, every day greet the Savior with praise, as did the people on His path into Jerusalem, and do so with great joy. Things may not go the way you had hoped or anticipated in the near term, but you can take comfort from knowing God is with you and will work everything out for your good according to His purpose and plan for your life. In His time He will restore your joy.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b KJV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse