The main thrust of our previous meditation was that the Lord remains the foundation of true and lasting joy. Does this then suggest that once we are in the Lord we are immune to all heartaches? Christianity does not paint a picture of El Dorado here on earth. Nowhere is it written that once you enter the ship of salvation, the voyage will be on calm waters only. Life generally is a difficult terrain because of the fallen nature of all things. Even the Captain of our salvation had to go through suffering to chart a course for our deliverance. And without mincing words, Jesus told His disciples that tribulation would come their way in this world. But rather than being downcast, they should rejoice because He has already overcome on their behalf. So, believers can rejoice in spite of the troubles.
“Perspective is the key to survival in the difficult seasons of life. God will not allow a thing that He would not turn around for your joy by and by.”
Our rejoicing in the midst of trouble should stem from two considerations. Firstly, as we hinted earlier, Jesus won a victory which has effect on all who put their trust in Him for salvation. Secondly, we can rejoice in difficult moments because we know they will not last forever. This consideration made Paul write to the Romans that they should rejoice in hope (Romans 12:15). Similarly, he made it clear to the Corinthians that whatever suffering we may endure at the moment is insignificant in the light of the eternal glory that awaits us. Perspective is the key to survival in the difficult seasons of life. God will not allow a thing that He would not turn around for your joy by and by.