Don't Ask Me to Rejoice

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Rom. 12:15

 As you read this verse, which command do you find more difficult? At first glance, you may say the latter (that's the second one if you have trouble with the whole former/latter thing like me). Weeping isn't easy. It's difficult to bring ourselves to the place of weeping, especially when the source of sorrow doesn't directly affect us. When we're with a weeper for whatever the reason we may find ourselves at a loss for words or reverting back to trite comforting phrases our culture has given us for those awkward times. I often find myself in this situation. I'll hear of the death of a loved one, a tough financial burden, a particularly stressful season at work, or a handful of other difficult situations and just nod my head. I'll offer the traditional, "That's tough, I'll be praying for you, hang in there, things will turn around, God is in control, I hope you find peace..." But do I weep with those who weep? Sometimes...

As hard as it is to weep with those who weep, I find the first command to be much more difficult. Hearing about sorrow and trial evokes a deep seeded emotion of wanting to bring comfort. Almost any human being feels this, even if they don't know how to express it. But the flip-side of sorrow, hearing about good times, brings up a different deeply seeded human emotion, at least for me: jealousy.

Sure, I'll weep with those who weep, but don't ask me to rejoice with those who rejoice. I'll put my arm around a friend who just lost their baby, but I also have to get excited with someone who just got a surprise inheritance for $2,000 when I have to pay that amount for a car bill? I have to put on a smile around Christmas when a friend's child get the gift my kid wanted but we couldn't afford? I need to rejoice at all the reunions posted on Facebook when I haven't seen my loved one in forever? When my friend gets his dream job and I'm stuck going nowhere in mine, I need to be joyful? When a church's attendance is exploding for seemingly no reason and ours is declining, I need to be happy with that other pastor? I was happy about our full Christmas Eve service, but now that I hear you had to have a second service because you were so packed, I'm not so sure... Do I really have to rejoice about that?

Yes!

I've found that each of us typically has something God is trying to root out our hearts; some sin that He confronts with trials, whether it be lying, gluttony, anxiety, pride, gossip, or something else. As we go through our individual trials we inevitably will be tested by someone else finding joy in the area we wrestle with. During Christmas this seems to be especially potent. This double command has proven difficult for me, but now that I'm aware of my weakness, I pray that God gives me the strength to see someone's joy as a beautiful grace for them, not a reminder of what I lack. Yes, jealousy may be an initial reaction, but the Spirit of God can turn jealousy into joy as we obey these five little words: rejoice with those who rejoice.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why I Believe in Infant Baptism: Opening Thoughts

Image
What images come to mind when you think of infant baptism? Is it a sacred ritual done with pomp and circumstance with robes and a gold plated dish of water? Is it a routine ceremony that is a regular part of your worship? Is it a crazy belief some of "those" people believe in, but certainly not someone serious about Bible study? Do you have images of a child being held up before the church like Simba in The Lion King? Is it just a glorified baby dedication? I think I've had all of the above mentioned thoughts at one time or another throughout my time as a Christian. I've believed the stereotypes and didn't really study it too hard on my own. But, once I did, I came to some revelatory conclusions, at least for me. I wasn't raised to believe in infant baptism. I grew up as a baptist, meaning that I believed what most baptists believe. A person professes faith in Christ first, then shows that commitment by obediently entering into the waters of baptism. From
Read more

Sunday Singables: "You Are God Alone"

Image
"You Are God Alone (Not a God)"  by Philips, Craig, and Dean, released on Let the Worshippers Arise (2004) Why I recommend this song for worship- As we come before the Lord in worship, it is important to remember Who we are worshiping. We aren't coming before a famous singer or venerated politician. We aren't about to see our favorite sports team play. This is God we are addressing. This song reminds us of who God is and why He is worthy of our worship. It takes the focus off us and fixes our eyes on the Father. The melody honors the lyrics and lets us build on different themes emotionally and musically. This song has always been a great reminder to me of God's sovereignty and leaves me standing in awe that He could love someone like me. Changes I've Made- I haven't adjusted too much with this one. They keys posted below are both pretty singable, but I would recommend doing it in A (or G with capo 2 for guitar). Any lower and the verses get ha
Read more

Easter Sunday Singables: "Above All" (new lyrics)

Image
During these Sundays of Lent leading up to Easter I'll be featuring a different song focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. "Above All" by Michael W. Smith, released on Worship  (2001), new lyrics by Joshua Huff The new lyrics I added as a second verse to this song are also found in a modified version on the song I wrote called Justified , available on my album Enriched Affections . Why I recommend this song for worship- The reason we celebrate Easter is because of what happened on Good Friday. Without the cross and its incredible spiritual significance, Easter is just another Sunday. This song places a great emphasis on the cross and Christ's exalted place above all things. It mirrors the "emptying" passage in Philippians 2 which speaks of Christ place next to the throne of God and points us there from the cross. The melody supports these truths wonderfully and it is very singable. However, I think the song on its own doesn't go f
Read more