God's Glory Church

“And the people could not distinguish the voice of the call of joy from the voice of weeping.” — Ezra 3:13

After experiencing three losses in just four weeks, Angela’s family was devastated. After one of them, the sudden death of a nephew, Angela and her two sisters spent three days in the kitchen at the table, leaving only to buy something, order food and attend the funeral. As they mourned Mason’s death, they took comfort in the ultrasound photos that captured the new life growing in the youngest of the sisters.

Later, Angela found hope and solace in the Old Testament book of Ezra. It tells how God’s people returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian army destroyed the temple and drove the people out of their beloved city (see Ezra 1). Now the temple was being restored and people joyfully praised God (Ezra 3:10-11). But among the joyous shouts was also heard the cry of those who remembered life before the exile (v. 12).

One verse especially comforted Angela: “And the people could not distinguish the voice of the call of joy from the voice of the people’s cry, because the people were loudly calling” (v. 13). She realized that even in the midst of deep sadness, you can find a place for joy.

Perhaps you too are saddened by the death of loved ones or are mourning other losses. If so, let your sorrowful sighs go up to God with expressions of joy. He hears us and accepts us in His arms.

Why do you think we can feel joy and sadness at the same time? How can you cultivate joy in yourself today?

Loving God, in this world we experience pain and suffering. Joy was ignited in us. We turn to You for hope and peace.

By Amy Buescher Pye