When I think of what it normally means to me to rejoice, I think of celebration, happiness. Shout it out! Be glad and thankful.
So why would Paul write to the Romans (chapter 5, verse 3) and say to “rejoice in our sufferings” (aka situations where we’re under pressure or going through a difficult, possibly even heartbreaking time)? It’s simple to describe, but not easy to do. We are to “rejoice” because there will ultimately be benefit from our suffering, the pressure we feel. How many times can we look back on what were very hard times in our life and now see how much we actually gained from the experience?
I didn’t say it would be fun during the tough times. But I am saying we can look forward to the day of true celebration.
