Trading My Sorrow

My college had a praise band called Mustard Seed. This band had worship performances every Monday night. We could all sing along, pray, or even dance as we were moved to do so. I loved going to these weekly meetings because they were such excellent stress relief. I was under a lot of pressure, both academic and emotional, in college, and sometimes I just needed to get all of my fears and doubts out of my system and to revel in the feeling of being close to a God who could make everything in my life better.

Mustard Seed had original songs written by its members, and they also did popular contemporary Christian music. They introduced me to this song, that has been performed by several different Christian music acts. It's one of my favorites when I'm feeling defeated, harried, or sad, so I'd like to share the lyrics here. (I believe that this song was written and debuted by Darrell Evans, but I found many different versions of it on iTunes. I highly recommend any version of this song for any Christian who's looking for a pick-me up.)

Trading My Sorrows

I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

And we say yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen!

I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse, for His promise will endure
And His joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

And we say yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen!

I know that there will be times when I will feel pressed, struck down, or cursed. I will sometimes be sad or ashamed. But God gives me the chance to trade in my sorrows for His joy. What an incredible gift! Recently I've felt frustrated because I feel like I'm not accomplishing a lot in my life right now. I want to make a difference and to change the world as a loving servant of Christ, but I feel so helpless and impotent. Yet, when I take these frustrations before God, He renews my spirit and brings me peace again. I might be in a difficult place in my life where it feels like I'm spinning my wheels, but God has good things in store for me. Though sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes with the morning. Yes, Lord, I will trade my sorrow for your joy! Amen!