Sorrow

Sorrow

MY QUESTION for GOD

What can I do when sorrow overwhelms me?

A MOMENT with GOD

[Elijah] went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

1 Kings 19:4-6

Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!

Deuteronomy 1:21

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me?”

Zechariah 8:6

Leaders are not immune to sorrow. In fact, as a leader you will deal not just with your own sorrow but with the sorrow of all those you lead. It can be overwhelming. Recovery from deep sorrow involves a number of factors, including a new perspective. Elijah was tired, hungry, and feeling completely alone. A period of rest, physical refreshment, and engagement with God helped him to regain a proper perspective and reconnect with God’s purpose for his life. Sorrow over a loss is natural and appropriate because it helps you process grief. But if sorrow is allowed to linger too long, it can lead to depression. You lose the hope God offers you and the big picture of God’s purpose for you. If you are still overwhelmed by sorrow after a period of grieving and rest, a wise counselor can help you regain a healthy perspective. Rest is restorative and advice is healing, but leaders too often neglect these important avenues of help. Left unchecked, sorrow can cause you to turn inward and become paralyzed by your sadness and pain. It takes effort, but you need to focus your attention outward, on God. Every day he opens doors of opportunity that can bring purpose and meaning to you: helping someone in need, volunteering for a good cause, writing a note of encouragement to someone else who needs it. When you look up from your own sorrow, you will see the door God has opened for you. Walk through it with courage, and on the other side you will begin to find relief.

DIVINE PROMISE

HE WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH OR SORROW OR CRYING OR PAIN. ALL THESE THINGS ARE GONE FOREVER.   Revelation 21:4