Overwhelmed

James says, “Consider it all joy when you meet trials.” (James 1:2)

Jesus doesn’t rejoice in the garden. He’s overwhelmed. “He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34)

Peter says, you rejoice in God’s grace, though now you have been grieved for a little while. (1Peter 1:6)

We can know the future is bright and feel the darkness of the present at the same time. The writer of Hebrews says Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before him.

Never trivialize suffering with a fake smile. Never belittle believers who grapple with emotional pain. Jesus experienced the full range of human emotion. You will too.