Sunday Writing... 5-19-19... "SORROW INTO JOY"

Good morning!

Today's writing is entitled, "SORROW INTO JOY."  It shares about varying degrees of loss and mourning, different types of affliction, and how we might respond to each these.  Jesus anticipated the disciples' sorrow over his death and gave them a message of hope before they even understood they would be losing him from their lives.  He does the same for us.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"SORROW INTO JOY"

by

Jan Andersen

There are times when life is going along as expected, and then suddenly things come crashing in upon us.  These unexpected calamities can make us feel like our world as we know it is ending, never to be fully restored.  Sometimes that is true, but it doesn’t mean we will always feel the same about the changes.  Our initial feelings can be a combination of fear of the unknown, distress at the pain caused, and sorrow due to the losses sustained. 

External adversity suffered can range from loss of an important memento, to loss of a job, to the loss of a life.  We can easily see that there are varying degrees of loss, and that how we respond to that loss can make all the difference.  Some things lost can be replaced, like an object or a job, and while not exactly the same, it may turn out even better in the long run like a better job than before.  Some losses can challenge us to grow in ways we never would have even thought about, like a person who loses a limb but goes on to compete in the Paralympics.  Other things cannot be replaced once lost, like when a loved one dies.  With time our sorrow may soften, but we can also place our hope in seeing them again in heaven.  

Sometimes our afflictions are within ourselves.  Loss of our mental or physical health can be quite devastating, especially if it is chronic and will not get better.  Often when people have major depression, they lose all hope of ever feeling happy again.  Individuals with PTSD can be tormented by flashbacks, leading to despair that they will never feel at peace again.  Some fight with addictions that plague them all their lives, with backslides when they do attempt to control the condition. There are various forms of therapy for all these issues that often help at least partially, but not always.  Some illnesses will lead to a decline in health and cause death, such as terminal cancer.  We have made great strides with some forms of cancer, but not all.  We struggle with finding our way through these issues where the future seems so bleak. 

Even with these seemingly insurmountable woes we can turn to God for help.  Sometimes that help comes in a miraculous healing.  Other times it comes as we find things to be grateful for in spite of our suffering.  We can continue to give God praise for the blessings we do have in spite of our struggles, and therefore provide a good witness to others.  As Jesus was preparing the disciples for his death and departure from their lives, He promised they would see him again and rejoice, before they even understood he was to die.  We are promised forgiveness of all our sins and eternal life in heaven with our Lord, no matter how far we feel we have fallen.  We can always count on God to turn our sorrow into joy, especially once we join Him in heaven.  God promises us that there will be no more mourning or pain there, and He will wipe away every tear: 

Revelation 21:2-4 NIV  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Dearest Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to experience our sorrows and more, as He died on the cross and rose again to life in heaven with you. We praise your name for all your blessings, especially the free gift of forgiveness and life in heaven where all our sorrows will be turned into joy.  Help us to remain faithful by the power of your Holy Spirit, who with You and the Son are one.  Amen.    

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Song:

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

Scott Cunningham Band

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries

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Sandy Billingham, Karen Bennett, 

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  

Bre Miller, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard

Amie Spruiell, Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Steficek,

Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa