What I Learned: There Is Something Better

Editor’s note: At the end of each month, the editorial team shares a brief wrap-up of how that month’s content encouraged and challenged us. This month, Laura Way wrote how the article “Praise That Survives Tears” helped her remember that knowing Jesus is even better than having an easy and comfortable life. As we honestly come to him with our sorrows and suffering, we know him, are made like him, and will one day be with him forever.


“It Is Really Sad Sometimes”

My 8-year-old daughter feels things intensely. There have been times, earlier on in the pandemic for instance, when she needed to cry, wail even, over the level of suffering she perceives occurs in the world. (There are other times when she wails over other things she perceives as suffering, like needing to leave a friend’s house, but that’s for a different article.)

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“I grew to believe that a Christian was supposed to ‘have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.’ Unfortunately, I also came to believe that joy in my heart meant having a permanent smile on my face.

My first instinct is not to join in the lament with her. Though I’m naturally an intense feeler also, I grew to believe that a Christian was supposed to “have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Unfortunately, I also came to believe that joy in my heart meant having a permanent smile on my face so that everyone could perceive how good God is to me (as if he needs me on his PR team).

I’ve been learning, in adulthood, that I can be honest with God. And so I try to be honest with my daughter: “God’s good world was broken by sin. And it is really sad sometimes.”

In “Praise That Survives Tears: Psalm 8,” Wang Fuyong describes the disorienting realization of the vast distance between how the Bible depicts the world is supposed to be and how we experience it. He teaches that Psalm 8, which is placed after a series of laments, acknowledges the cries of the weak. He reminds us that our Savior came as a weak baby and grew into a suffering Savior. God often works through weak, unexpected, and yes, painful ways.

The psalmist wants to remind us that it’s actually through these unexpected (sometimes uncomfortable) means that God receives glory – just as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s “power is made perfect in weakness.”

Jesus: With Us In Our Tears

This is not intuitive. At least not to me, and certainly not to my 8-year-old who often says aloud what I secretly think in times of trouble: “Why me?”

Wang Fuyong reminded me in his article to teach my daughter how to walk through tears, weakness, and suffering the same way I began learning to walk through tears (instead of simply drowning in them): looking to Jesus.

“…Jesus, like many other little children, was chased and bullied by this world. He identified with these infants, and his coming gives meaning to the death and weeping of all who are hunted down and killed by this world. . .We believe in a God who will be with us in times of weakness, darkness, and loss. This is a God who understands the taste of our sorrow and our weakness.”

Jesus, who embraced weakness, didn’t cling to comfort or power, and entered into human suffering, really is with us in our tears. So when we “nakedly come before God and face reality,” we get Jesus. Jesus, whose presence brings us fullness of joy. Not the kind of “joy” that manufactures fake smiles to make Jesus look good. Communing with Jesus, especially through tears and suffering, brings the kind of joy that gives us strength.

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“There’s actually something better in this life than the fantasy we have of everything going well, and having comfort, power, or wealth all of our days. Better, far better, is to truly know and be known by Jesus.

“The believer is not in denial of darkness, but touches it, because the darkness itself is potentially life-building material. . . so that they may put on Christ: for the praise that has survived tears is the true blessing of life.”

There’s actually something better in this life than the fantasy we have of everything going well, and having comfort, power, or wealth all of our days. Better, far better, is to truly know and be known by Jesus.

Learning from Jesus how to handle tears also reminds us of our great hope. Our Savior, who suffered greatly on this earth, is now risen and seated with the Father on high. We follow him in taking up our crosses, yes, and we follow him to glory.

Wang Fuyong reminds us that as we experience God, our faith actually grows: “Psalm 8 promises at the end…this world will ultimately bow at [God’s] feet, and utter from the heart: “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

 Amen and hallelujah!


Laura Way lives in Orlando, FL with her two vibrant, young daughters and her wise and witty husband, Aubrey. She works for thirdmill.org where she’s a part of a team pursuing Biblical Education. For the World. For Free.

 

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray for Christians everywhere to truly believe that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

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Further Reading

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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