stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:18)

I vividly remember weeping and rejoicing with a family. When they called to tell me about the death of their child, I wept on the phone and by their sides at the funeral. When they called to tell me about their pregnancy, I rejoiced on the phone and by their sides in the hospital nursery. In Philippians 2:18, Paul asks the Philippian church to “be glad and rejoice with me.” Being imprisoned, it doesn’t seem there is much to rejoice over. However, Paul knew his joy did not stem from life’s ups and downs but from his constant confidence in Jesus.  

When my mom and dad were both suffering from Parkinson’s, there were days that they cried and seemed hopeless. There were instances when my mom could not feed herself anymore because of the shaking in her hands and her inability to swallow and chew food. One day I visited and found an open Bible beside my mom’s wheelchair. My dad had been reading her Scriptures. What joy and comfort the Word brings! They were weeping and rejoicing together! 

In Philippians 2:17, Paul told the Philippians he was glad and rejoiced with them in his suffering and possible death. He saw it as an offering to the Lord.  He then instructed them to be glad and rejoice with him in their suffering. It’s easy to rejoice in joyous moments, but rejoicing in difficulties requires keeping your eyes on Jesus. The church is to rejoice and weep together. Christ, Who humbled himself and became obedient to death, modeled the attitude believers should emulate during suffering. He willingly and humbly submitted his mind, will, and emotions to His Father. This required trust and faith that God was in control and all-loving.  

When my dad was in a skilled nursing facility just before his death, he sometimes lost his ability to chew, walk, and even talk. I read Scripture to him while sitting on his bed. Psalms 1, 23, and 100 were passages he helped me memorize as a kid.  After reading them, he whispered, “God is good.”  The Scriptures reminded him of how perfect God was in the middle of his dire situation.  He knew it wouldn’t be long before he saw Jesus.  I replied, “All the time, God is good,” as I rejoiced in his suffering.  

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Why is it difficult to rejoice in suffering?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• In what way are you suffering? Is it with a hurtful memory, illness, financial worry, or something beyond your control? Sing your favorite worship song, read Philippians 2, and allow the Spirit to minister to you in your suffering.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Whom do you know that’s suffering?  How can you weep and rejoice with them?  Take time today to contact them and pray, read Scripture, encourage, and rejoice.