Read:

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Think:

While many people readily agree that joy is a positive emotion, very few embrace the idea that sorrow can also be beneficial. As Christians, we sometimes paint a picture of a life following Jesus as a picture-perfect existence, akin to something out of a glossy magazine.

However, sorrow can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth. It can bring us closer to God's comforting presence and connect us to the compassionate heart of Jesus for the world. Through our experiences of sorrow, we can gain a deeper understanding of his love and compassion for a world that is trapped under the weight of sin and suffering. In this way, sorrow can unite us with those who are hurting and enable us to better empathize with their pain.

Apply:

Today, instead of gutting it out, let sorrow usher you into the presence of Jesus. Use your sorrow to build a bridge toward others who are suffering and allow your pain to become a unifier of compassion and love.

Pray:

God, thank you for your holy presence through the rough places of life. I want to allow you to use me and the things that I am going through to bring you glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.