As Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing

This week has been one of grief in our small group, after the passing of a member’s parent following a brief illness. We sought God for healing but His sovereign will determined otherwise. And together, we grieved.

Death is a constant and humble reminder to get our house (life) in order. Life is brief; we literally have one life to live and must make it count for eternity.

Nothing else should hold our utmost attention than living the God-intended life.

When we live on purpose, God is truly glorified and we find maximum satisfaction in this life and in eternity.

You are not guaranteed tomorrow

If you’re a regular on my blog, you would have read the phrase ‘only one life’.

"Only one life and it will soon be past but only what's done for Christ will last" Click To Tweet

My son loves to watch the Christian animation series, VeggieTales. In one episode, Bob the Tomato refused to bow to pressure to build his house on anything other than a strong foundation.

His colleagues laughed at him. He was scorned for being so thorough but he stayed focused, convinced he was building the right way. When the storm came, others suffered loss, except Bob.

Are you building your life the right way? Are you building on a solid foundation? Or will you suffer eternal loss when Christ returns?

Here’s my point:

You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Live today like there’s no tomorrow and make it all about Jesus.

That’s how you ensure you don’t waste your life.

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing

Our experiences on this side of eternity is littered with pain and suffering. As believers, we are not immune to life’s challenges. But we find underlying strength in the matchless grace of Christ.

I was moved at this week’s small group as our grieving friends led prayers for themselves and the group. It was a thing of deep emotion for me. And the scripture that came to mind was 2 Corinthians 6:10:

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.

Only those with eternal hope find strength to endure such personal pain in the way they are doing. Just like Jesus, in their grief, they are still giving, serving and loving on others — Luke 23:34.

I invite you to experience such strength, deep joy and lasting rest for your soul in Christ alone — Matthew 11:28.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash.