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Say What?
For the most part, no one likes to suffer. The word, tribulation, makes some people nervous, especially if they think in terms of the end times. But, that’s not where this is going. This is talking about something very counterintuitive: rejoicing in tribulation. Say what? It’s a biblical principle, and perhaps not a very popular one. However, if you consider the reason for the rejoicing, it may not be such a hard pill to swallow. Let’s define the word, and then see why taking joy in it is a good thing, contrary to what the flesh would have us believe.
What does it Mean?
Tribulation primarily means pressure, or a pressing. It’s verb form means to crush, press, compress, or squeeze, and it’s root word means to break. Some other ways this word is rendered in Scripture is “anguish”; “burdened”; “persecution,” and “troubled.” It may affect either body or mind, or both (2347 -Strong’s Concordance).
It refers to pressure from evils, affliction, or distress. In short, tribulation has various causes. It could refer to evils by which one is pressed, otherwise known as affliction. However, it may refer to calamity, or such things as famine or drought. It even references a woman in travail. While the birthing process is very painful, the result has great joy, which gives us clue about why we rejoice in the thick of things.
Why Rejoice?
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory (rejoice) in tribulations (sufferings) also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience (proven character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
One thing to remember when facing hardship is God’s grace enables us to endure. He is with us, and gives us the ability stand by faith, as we take comfort in knowing He will never leave us or forsake us. While it is true there may be moments, or even seasons it feels as if He abandoned us; rest assured, He never will.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation (character) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
To be sure it will also seem as people have forsaken us, and perhaps, some have. In these apparent dark seasons, the Lord will use isolation to help us focus on Him. Sometimes, people rely on others more than God, and that needs to change. It affects the dynamics of the relationship with Him.
Furthermore, it is an answer to the prayer, “Help me truly walk by faith.” Faith requires listening to Him (see Romans 10:17), and if we’re always running to people first, we may also be missing God. Sure, He may lead one to go another person, but that person is not the starting point. He or she is the result of The Starting Point. Of course, it also answers another common prayer: “Help me draw closer to You.”
Rejoicing brings strength in hardship, and helps us to remain on the Solid Rock. It reinforces our trust in Him, in spite of contradictory evidence. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and in His presence is fullness of joy. Offering praise helps us bond to His presence, while worship acknowledges Him for Who He is.
His presence connects us to His wisdom and understanding. Solutions are made available that would not otherwise be obtainable. In addition, it connects us to His love, especially if there is doubt. Some don’t really recognize the love of God until He brings them through hardship. Untested trust is not as reliable as trust forged in fire, and we know fire removes impurity.
More importantly, it may reveal how much you actually love Him. That is the bigger question: do you love Him no matter what comes your way? This points to proven character.
Love removes fear and joins us to hope, which is a confident expectation. Confident, because it will truly manifest; unlike, wishful thinking. Wish is mere desire; whereas, hope is an expected end that will actually come to pass. It is sure and unwavering, because it rests in God Who does not change. Remember, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:18-19).
