“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …    a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Eccles. 3:1, 4 NIV).

Sadness touches all of us, but finding God’s healing in seasons of sadness brings hope and renewal. The Bible shows us that grief, discouragement, and loss are part of life, but they don’t have the final word. Wisely handling our seasons of sadness can benefit us and our relationships.

Sadness may result from an unexpected event or build gradually through distressing experiences. Sometimes it passes quickly; other times it lingers—especially when its roots remain hidden. God provides many ways to help us through sadness, but there are steps we can take. Here are two.

Step 1: Be Sober in Spirit and Think Clearly (2 Tim. 4:5, 2 Cor. 10:5)

Truth is deeply healing. Jesus came to this world with grace and truth. He wants to heal us so that we not only feel better but also become our best (Rom 8:28-38). Being truthful about what has happened—and how it has affected us—opens the door to His healing (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

A close friend and companion in the ministry once betrayed me. I thought I had moved on, but Debbie, my truth teller, told me I’d lost my spark and joy. Simply feeling irritated and indifferent toward the betrayal had not dealt with it. The real issue was sadness over the isolation, hurt, and loss I experienced.

Once I identified the root of my sadness, I was able to receive God’s perspective and comfort. I also recognized lies I’d believed about myself and the situation, and I began to see myself, my friend, and my future through God’s eyes.

Step 2: Be Self-Controlled in Times of Sadness (Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Thes. 5:4-8)

Sadness can become a stumbling block our flesh and Satan use to discourage us and push us into unprofitable patterns (I Thes 5:1-11, Prov 24:10). For example, I can fall into a “who cares” attitude and find comfort in unhealthy ways, like late-night snacking when I’m not truly hungry.

A powerful biblical discipline which will help us endure this season is to “Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 2:4-7). Rejoice means “to be glad, to cheer.” In my personal times of rejoicing, I thank God for specific things He’s done for me. This past week, I clapped and cheered in gratitude for how He cared for me through a blood clot. These moments of rejoicing may not change our circumstances, but they transform our attitude and renew our spirit with fresh faith (Psalm 42:5).

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude.”

If you’re in a season of sadness or struggling in another relationship or faith issue—reach out—we’d love to walk with you.

UpdatePlease pray for adults and children, who’ve lost important friends and family members, that they may experience God’s comfort and hope as they grieve.Pray for the women in Debbie’s groups who just completed Healing for Damaged Emotions, that they may continue in their journey of healing.

Finding God’s Healing in Seasons of Sadness #GodsComfort #OvercomingSadness
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Blessings,

 

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