3 Steps To Overcoming Sorrow

There are so many reasons and degrees of sorrow. Sorrow is almost certain at the death of a loved one…many have experienced this. But there are many other types of sorrow which carry varying degrees of emotional response on our part. The loss of a mate or relative through a divorce, through either permanent or temporary separation such as one going off to military service, off to school or to a new job.

A permanent loss brings greater sorrow than if we know we will regain that loved one in the future.

If you were to lose your reputation, it would bring sorrow. This could be over something extremely serious such as our business being ruined or even as small as someone making a critical remark to or about us. There are so many reasons for sorrow we could not name them all.

Let’s just look at some ways to handle them.

The first and most important principle for us to KNOW is that God is still on the throne and He never makes mistakes. Often our sorrow comes because we think we know what is best for ourselves and others rather than trusting God with the details.

Romans 8:28 is eternally true when God says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Since we cannot know God’s total purpose for us or others, it is best to trust Him for His details.

Secondly, we need to determine if the sorrow we are experiencing is because we are at fault. Did we do something immoral, did we mistreat someone, did we break one of the God’ laws … resulting in circumstances that bring us sorrow? If so, our first step is to admit it to God (confess it) and claim His forgiveness; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

The next thing is to try to clear this up with the ones offended and take steps to ensure that this habit/practice/attitude is no longer in our lives.

The third thing to do when faced with sorrow is to re-program our minds and emotions with praise to the Lord … what better time to think about this than Thanksgiving!

[bctt tweet=”God has made us in such a way that we cannot experience more than one emotion at a time. If we are experiencing “praise and thanksgiving” for His goodness, then the emotion of sorrow is eliminated from our lives.” username=”scotthumston”]

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” (Psalm 147:1)

To experience God’s “pleasant” and “beautiful” emotions, give praise to Him!

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on THESE things …. and the God of peace WILL be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Sharing His Wonder,