Wisdom, Grief, & Divine Joy

One effect of striving to be a proper priest of our tribe – a ‘mediator’ between God and our family – is that we grow in Godly wisdom.

That process of gaining wisdom happens gradually. Almost mysteriously.

It grows out of experiencing God’s heart for our family. As our heart for our family grows to reflect God’s heart it begins to drive us. Motivate us. It informs our understanding of God, ourselves, our families, and the world. And, as Scripture points out, that journey is linked to our growth in humility.

But that journey of growing more Christ-like – growing in wisdom – is not all warm fuzzies.

For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.   – Ecclesiastes 1:18

This is a difficult reality check. From time to time we need to pause and ask ourselves if we really want wisdom from God. Do we truly want to experience God’s heart and gain wisdom – even if it means carrying and deeply experiencing the emotional, physical, and spiritual hurt of our spouse and children?

If your response is: Yes, I do want my spouse and children to experience the goodness of God through me – whatever the cost; you are on the path to being a priestly mediator like Jesus Christ.

Scripture tells us Jesus was “perfect in knowledge.” Given the text above we can rightly assume His life was also an experience of sorrow and grief – equal to His wisdom and knowledge.

However, we also know He willingly took up that sorrow and grief for “the joy set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:2) And that deep experience of divine joy is the promise held out to us, too, as we step into our role as parents!

Wisdom. Knowledge. Sorrow. Grief. And an inexplicable divine joy. It sounds like quite a journey.