Sorrow & Sadness
There are several things that make me sad. I can watch a movie and see a relationship breaking and it tears at my heart. I’ve determined that I’m a bit of a “softie” when it comes to heart break. There are things that break my heart for which there is no cure. I can mourn and grieve, but I then have to figure out how to move forward, past the heart break. I recently heard of a good friend who passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. He was in his early 50’s. I’ve also heard of relationships broken and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The book of Lamentations is sort of a sad book regarding the mourning over the destruction of Jerusalem and God’s people taken into captivity. They can’t say they weren’t warned multiple times. Their lives and lifestyles were decadent and evil in God’s eyes and He orchestrated punishment that was hard and complete. Check this out….
9 She defiled herself with immorality
and gave no thought to her future.
Now she lies in the gutter
with no one to lift her out.
“Lord, see my misery,” she cries.
“The enemy has triumphed.”
21 “Others heard my groans,
but no one turned to comfort me.
When my enemies heard about my troubles,
they were happy to see what you had done.
Oh, bring the day you promised,
when they will suffer as I have suffered.
22 “Look at all their evil deeds, Lord.
Punish them,
as you have punished me
for all my sins.
My groans are many,
and I am sick at heart.”(Lamentations 1:9,21-22 NLT)
I think sorrow and regret can be good things because they often lead to repentance. Repentance is a changed heart. Sometimes repentance comes after the consequences and sometimes before. There are often consequences that are a result of sin that can’t be reversed. I believe in the kindness of the Lord. He restores because He loves deeply. He punishes because He loves deeply. I’ve learned more about the discipline of the Lord by being a parent.
When I get moved emotionally, I often have to try to step back and see why my heart is so broken. Whether it’s sappy love story that ends badly, or a sweet innocent person loses the battle with cancer. I need perspective. I need to see things from a different angle. What I often see as an ending is really a new beginning. I know that this life ends in death 100% of the time, but it’s really a beginning to new life to those who know the Lord and have given Him their heart. I need “big picture perspective” on my life here on earth. I need to see where I fit into God’s big ideas for His kids. Sorrow and Sadness can be turned to joy and gladness with proper perspective. His Word gives perspective. Worshipping the Lord gives perspective. A song can give perspective. A friend can give perspective. The Lord always uses my journey now to prepare me for my journey later. He’s been doing that my whole life and I really haven’t paid close attention until now. #perspective
Pressing On!
Dwayne