Joy and sorrow were meant to make music together.
I know that sounds antithetical, but I have learned the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the song they sing can be most exquisite.
Yet how many valley-walkers feel needlessly guilty for finding quarter notes of joy in their symphony of suffering? We live in fear of experiencing happiness ever again. We call it “honoring their memory,” forgetting that living an abundant life was God’s plan. We dishonor our loved one—and Jesus—when we quench the Spirit in this way.
Christ followers can have joy because of the Holy Spirit in us, in spite of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Ironically, we may also feel guilty for grieving. “I have so much for which to be thankful,” we tell ourselves. “I shouldn’t still be crying.” So we suppress the tears and put on a happy face. We say, “I’m fine,” hoping we will one day believe it ourselves.
This is also an unhealthy way to grieve.
Human emotions are a gift. It is possible—beneficial, even—to experience opposite emotions simultaneously.
Jesus did.
He faced unimaginable pain the night He prayed in the garden. And yet…
🤍 …for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.
God did.
🤍 It pleased God to crush His Son because it paid the price of our sin.
Both, demonstrating immeasurable joy in the midst of incomprehensible pain.
The score of that paradox became the song of the ages!
Dear grieving friend, you need not feel guilty for experiencing moments of joy in the midst of sorrow. Savor them. Those moments are a precious gift from a loving Father Who knows exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.
You also need not feel as if you must squelch your sorrow. When the waves hit; ride them out. You’re not sinning; you’re grieving. Grief is messy. It’s okay to not be okay. Tears are also a gift from God.
Grieve deeply. Feel the hurt. Shed the tears.
Also, laugh. Find pleasure in life again. Live life to the full. Enjoy your silver linings.
Weep over the life and love you’ve lost, AND fall more deeply in love with the lover of your soul.
Long for Heaven, AND cherish each moment, redeeming whatever time you have left.
Sorrow and joy were meant to sing together in bittersweet harmony….and when they do, the blend of the two will make your life-song that much more glorious.
🩷 Audra