Comments on: Joyful Sorrow http://www.rpmministries.org/2010/02/joyful-sorrow/ Changing Lives with Christ's Changeless Truth Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:05:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Roxane Johnson http://www.rpmministries.org/2010/02/joyful-sorrow/comment-page-1/#comment-1047 Roxane Johnson Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:14:57 +0000 http://www.rpmministries.org/?p=2015#comment-1047 When we understand God's sustaining power and presence through our suffering (Isa. 43:2), it allows us to experience joy in the midst of painful experiences. Knowing God is with you when you are going "through" provides a source of hope and encouragement. I believe that my ancestors who endured the painful experience of slavery were aware of God's ability to sustain them, which allowed them to experience joy unspeakable. What a wonderful testimony that brings glory to God! When we understand God’s sustaining power and presence through our suffering (Isa. 43:2), it allows us to experience joy in the midst of painful experiences. Knowing God is with you when you are going “through” provides a source of hope and encouragement. I believe that my ancestors who endured the painful experience of slavery were aware of God’s ability to sustain them, which allowed them to experience joy unspeakable. What a wonderful testimony that brings glory to God!

]]> By: Melinda Lancaster http://www.rpmministries.org/2010/02/joyful-sorrow/comment-page-1/#comment-1037 Melinda Lancaster Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:47:02 +0000 http://www.rpmministries.org/?p=2015#comment-1037 This post brings back to mind something that Witley Phipps shared during his very stirring performance of Amazing Grace. He said that most Negro spirituals as well as many other songs were played entirely on the black (minor) notes of the scale. By intermingling them with the major notes they make beautiful songs of praise & worship. I've learned how to mingle suffering and joy over the years. That doesn't mean I don't have a ways to go yet but I have learned to mine for the treasure of God's goodness when things are bad. And I am still learning... This post brings back to mind something that Witley Phipps shared during his very stirring performance of Amazing Grace.

He said that most Negro spirituals as well as many other songs were played entirely on the black (minor) notes of the scale. By intermingling them with the major notes they make beautiful songs of praise & worship.

I’ve learned how to mingle suffering and joy over the years. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a ways to go yet but I have learned to mine for the treasure of God’s goodness when things are bad. And I am still learning…

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