Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Peter 1:6

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials," — 1 Peter 1:6 (ASV)

Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Or, "trials." Some people cannot comprehend how a man can greatly rejoice, and yet be in heaviness at the same time; but there are many things in a Christian's experience that cannot be understood except by those who experience them; and even they find many a mystery from God which can only be expressed by a paradox.

There are some who think that God's people should never be heavy in spirit; but the apostle says, Now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness. He does not say, "If need be, you are in manifold trials"; but, If need be, you are in heaviness through manifold trials, for the "needs be" is as much for the depressed spirit as for the trials themselves.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

It is possible, in Christian experience, for a man to rejoice greatly and yet to be in heaviness. No man can explain this paradox to another, yet he understands it himself. In heaviness through manifold trials, yet greatly rejoicing in the full conviction that they will soon be over, and that then we shall enter into unutterable joy.

Be of good courage, then, you who are now depressed, you who are in heaviness; lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. The fiery furnace is very hot; but the Son of man is in it with you; and, by his grace, you shall come out of the furnace before long.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.

This is your life. This is like a rainbow made up of the drops of earth's sorrow in the beams of heaven's love, a happy combination, after all.

Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

What! Can there be rejoicing and sorrow in the same heart at the same time? Oh, yes! Our experience has taught us that we can be at the same moment, in sorrow of heart and yet rejoicing in the Lord.