God's Glory Church

“They will come weeping, but I will lead them in rejoicing.” — Jeremiah 31:9

One morning, when Dean left the house, he saw his friends waiting for him with balloons. His friend Josh stepped forward and said, handing Dean an envelope, “We sent your poems to the contest.” Inside was a card with the words “First Place” written on it, and soon everyone was crying with joy. Dean’s friends did a great job of validating his talent.

Crying for joy is a paradoxical experience. Tears are usually a response to pain, and joy is expressed through laughter rather than tears. Italian psychologists have noted that tears of joy appear in moments of deep personal meaning, such as when we feel deeply loved or when we achieve a great goal. This observation led them to the conclusion that tears of joy indicate the meaning of our lives.

I imagine tears of joy everywhere Jesus went. How could the parents of the man born blind not weep for joy when Jesus healed him (John 9:1-9), or Mary and Martha when He resurrected their brother? (John 11:38-44). God says that when His people enter the restored world, “they will come with weeping, but I will lead them in joy” (Jer. 31:9).

If tears of joy show us the meaning of our lives, imagine that future great day. When the tears roll down our faces, we will know without a doubt that the meaning of life has always been to live in a close relationship with God.

When was the last time you cried for joy? What do you think is the meaning of life?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy that awaits those who love you.

Author: Sheridan Voysey