233. Comfort and Joy
Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
Joy is an oft-repeated promise in the Scriptures. Joy comes as a result of the Spirit’s working in our lives, as a part of the fruit of the Spirit. The true joy we have is the joy of the Lord. Joy is a result of faith in Christ. Maintaining our faith and being reminded of God’s goodness and mercy through the Gospel keeps us in the joy of the Lord no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.
When Messiah comes, and when Jesus comes into the heart, joy comes with Him. We shall rejoice in the dance, young and old together. God promises to turn our mourning into joy and to make us rejoice from our sorrow. We don’t have to seek sorrow: we just live, and sorrow is present. It is always there, ready to bring us down. Something is always dying; something is always not completely right. Sorrow is present for all sinners who live in a sinful world. The promise says that in place of the sorrow joy is also present. It is always within us, always near, by faith. In our sorrow we may rejoice. We rejoice by repentance and faith, by receiving forgiveness, life, and love from Jesus; we rejoice by giving thanks in all circumstances, for the circumstance of Jesus being present to and living within is always true. So we thank God for everything. I may consciously and willfully rejoice, but I realize it is God’s doing: He is making me rejoice, when I look at Him and listen to Him. Mourning will happen, but the Lord does the work of turning mourning into joy.
God gives joy and peace in believing. God will also comfort; in the midst of sadness, sorrow, and mourning He comforts. Believe that the comfort is more powerful than the sorrow. Let the Lord come and wipe away the tears. He smiles on you to make you smile. Whether you feel like it or not, smile; whether you feel it or not, rejoice; whether you sense it or don’t, let yourself be comforted in the Lord and His promises. He will do what He says. You are not faking the smile or the joy or the comfort because it is truth, and it is a present promise. “O Tidings of Comfort and Joy!”