“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness." 1 Peter 1:6. What a singular combination! Paul says, "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing." 2 Cor. 6:10. You will have noticed that it is not "in heaviness" at one time and "rejoicing" the next, but both blended together. Yes, we have much to mourn over, yet much to rejoice in. There is joy underneath our tears, and sorrow mingled with singing. "For a season, if need be," or, if you need them. By God's grace, there is the qualifying clause. They are only for a season, but, the Apostle says, you need them. Let us not forget that the joy will wax greater till it ends in everlasting joy; the heaviness is only for a season. It will have an end and soon, praise God!
B.F. Smith