There is a time...

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in life so far is to remember my deepest sorrow during times of joy and to praise God for both.


"There is a time for everything and...He has made everything beautiful in its time." -Ecclesiastes 3:1-11


God created a time for weeping and a time for laughing, a time to mourn and a time to dance.


And he made all of it beautiful.


I realized tonight as I was thinking through the things while playing vigorously at the piano in the back room, that God created sorrow to the glory of His name. He didn't create joy alone and then turn his face away from pain or sorrow.


He says He will comfort those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2), increase the power of the weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and give us rest for our souls (Matt. 11:28). He will strengthen the feeble hands, and steady the knees that give way (Isaiah 35:3-4). When my flesh fails, He is the strength of my heart, (Psalm 73:21-28), He is able to keep me from falling (Jude 6:24).


Those who who look to Him are radiant, He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:1-5; 18). The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit (Psalm 51:17). He has turned my wailing into dancing and clothed me with joy so that I may give Him thanks forever (Psalm 30).


I could go on and on. He does all this so that we may display His splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

We serve an amazingly creative God. A God who's glory and divine nature are not hidden from us.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen." -Romans 1:20

Not only does He allow us to clearly see His glory, He allows us to take part. 

"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long." -Psalm 71 (Read all of it)

When we are going through times of joy and gladness, God is glorified, but I am convinced that nothing warms His heart more than when we proclaim His goodness through the most difficult times of our lives. Our joy is to His glory. Our pain is to His glory. 

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." -Psalm 33