By Mike Chaffin
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Psalm 32:10
This week we tackle an emotion that has several sides, sadness. It is not a sin to be sad, but sadness and sorrow come in diverse ways, in good times and bad, and for different reasons. It is an emotion we should discuss and seek God’s mercy to be victorious over, and in.
Sadness is a basic human emotion, a natural response to negative situations that involve psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical pain. It comes to everyone. The Apostle Paul gives great advice in Philippians,
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
Paul had ample reason to be sad. In city after city he faced persecution, beatings, and imprisonment for the faith. He usually had nothing more than the clothes on his back. Paul wasn’t saying he had to be happy about his circumstances, but that circumstances don’t control our feelings. We can praise God in good times and bad. We can trust Him always.
Sadness may be a result of people’s disregard for God and His ways.
I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was stirred up.” Psalm 39:2
We sometimes sit silently while evil flourishes. We are too afraid to speak up against immorality and this brings an inner sadness. It is saddening to our spirit to see evil flourish and our inability to stop it. Falsehood invades our churches to accept immorality as acceptable. However, Jesus will get the final word on those who promote evil. We don’t rejoice over their judgment; we need to pray for them to repent before it is too late.
Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life. Ezekiel 13:22
Jesus had nothing good to say about false teachers.
Furthermore, God will bring sadness into our lives. We fall under conviction of sin, and this will sadden us until we realize we can give those sins to God and become a Christian.
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
The response to sadness of living in a world of people who are dying without Christ is in how we represent Christ. In our sadness, we seek to serve and warn others about their life without Christ, just as we were brought to salvation through our sorrow for the sins we have committed.
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:11
Sadness isn’t something we have to be ashamed of. It can work in us a closer walk with God, a fervent desire to tell others the gospel truth, and strengthen our faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your provision, presence, and protection. Help me to remember You are in control and provide all our needs when I am saddened by circumstance within or without of my control. I give you control of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
