Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
1. Sadness is a
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV)
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
“Often, sadness during experiences like these, serve to remind us of how much we value a relationship. It’s also an important signal to loved ones that we need support…Acknowledging and experiencing sadness also helps us reach a place of acceptance to move forward and participate in a meaningful life despite our sadness. Our sadness may actually help us create a new or different version of our life! Experiencing sadness does not cost us anything. However, the behaviors that we use in an attempt to avoid sadness might cost us…Sadness is an emotion that organizes our behavioral responses to losses of someone or something important, and/or to something not attained. Sadness reminds us of what matters to us. It can focus our attention on pursuing values, important goals, and communicating to others that we need support. Sadness connects us with others. It may even lead us to acceptance of life in the present moment, just as it is.” —Dr. Janine Furdella
Sadness, confronted has a certain utility to it.
Sadness, unconfronted, well, that is when things can begin to get out of control for us.
Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
2.
Reference Psalm 34:17-18 above.
“As Luther taught, suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.” —Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
Matthew 5:4 (NLT)
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“I find myself frequently depressed—perhaps more so than any other person here. And I find no better cure for that depression than to trust in the Lord with all my heart, and seek to realize afresh the power of the peace-speaking blood of Jesus, and his infinite love in dying upon the cross to put away all my transgressions.” —Charles Spurgeon
“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” —Elisabeth Elliot
Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
3. Don’t let darkness
Psalm 42:11 (NLT)
11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
4. Let the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!