I think many believers labor under the misconception that the joy of the Lord means we need to smile and be “fine” all the time. But sadness, grief and mourning are integral parts of God’s purpose for us.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.
Weeping and mourning are not exclusively for the death of loved ones. We can be sad on occasions when life’s burdens weigh us down. Some believers think the “right” thing to do is just grin and bear it. Those who take that route eventually discover it’s the fastest route to burnout and breakdown of our physical, psychological and spiritual reserves.
The best thing we can do is give ourselves permission to be sad, if even for a few moments. To acknowledge our sadness. Feel it. Share our difficulties and pain with a trusted friend or pastor. Better still . . .
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
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Amen. I really love that Ecclesiastes verse that you quoted. There is indeed time for everything. It is okay not to be okay…but one thing’s for sure, God is there to fix us.
Thank you, Moon. What an awesome thought that He will fix it. Thanks for writing.
Ecclesiastes 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy
Psalm 34:18 ESV
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 53:4 ESV
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
Jeremiah 31:9 ESV
With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Isaiah 53:4 ESV
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
John 17:9 ESV
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Isaiah 51:11 ESV
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Matthew 27:46 ESV
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Yes, The Lord knows when we are sad, and He is there. Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. Praise The Lord.
Amen, Evelyn. This is a wonderful post by itself. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
this is a refreshing post…there are times we are sad because we are mad…we are mad because someone has hurt us or we are frustrated. As believers, we forget we are also human. If we were perfect – there would be no need for a saviour. Thanks for this post. 🙂
You are so welcome. I’m blessed that words God gave me were able to minister to you. Thank you for your kind comments.
Reblogged this on justiceforkevinandjenveybaylis.
Thank you for re-blogging this. The more people who see it, the more God can reach with the blessing of His truth. Thanks again.