August 20, Streams in the Desert

In today's entry there is a story that depicts Sorrow and Joy as characters in a fictional story. It was a wonderful reminder of how closely the two seem to follow one another and how they are of equal value in our lives to bring out the righteousness and contentment that God desires. I will not give the whole story word-for-word because it is rather long, but here is the general setting...both Sorrow and Joy are beautiful in their own way: Sorrow with moonlight and mystery, Joy with sunshine and smiles. The two long to be together, but it seems they cannot because they are so very different from each other. In mourning the fact that they will never be united, they are visited by Jesus Christ. Here is the story from that point on...

[Sorrow] and Joy became aware of someone standing beside them. In spite of the dim light, they sensed a kingly Presence, and suddenly a great and holy awe overwhelmed them. They then sank to their knees before Him. "I see Him as the King of Joy," whispered Sorrow, "for on His head are many crowns, and the nailprints in His hands and feet are the scars of a great victory. And before Him all my sorrow is melting away into deathless love and gladness. I now give myself to Him forever." "No, Sorrow," said Joy softly, "for I see Him as the King of Sorrow, and the crown on His head is a crown of thorns, and the nailprints in His hands and feet are the scars of terrible agony. I also give myself to Him forever, for sorrow with Him must be sweeter than any joy I have ever known." "Then we are one in Him," they cried in gladness, "for no one but He could unite Joy and Sorrow." Therefore they walked hand in hand into the world, to follow Him through storms and sunshine, through winter's severe cold and the warmth of summer's gladness, and to be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing."