“Happily ever after” is the motto that our “natural man” desires to follow. We are afraid of unhappiness, as if something is wrong with us if we are not happy all the time. We are unable to appreciate that sadness is required as much as happiness in our pursuit of emotional and spiritual growth. Feeling happy and being at peace can be two totally different states. Being happy seems to depend on our circumstances, but being at peace is a heart condition we can abide in, as we trust God to help us through our circumstances, and work out our sadness. Feelings of sadness can be difficult to bear, especially when we are afraid of getting stuck and becoming depressed. Yet, sadness is a normal human emotion and although it may feel unpleasant, it can be used as a tool to help us work out areas in our hearts that need to be considered and examined. Again, Jesus calls… come to me with your sadness…. your tears are valuable to me…. I will cry with you….I understand and will take your pain…. I will replace your sadness with My joy! It is Jesus’ design to connect with you in your sadness and help you let go of the hurt, so you can cultivate His gift of true peace, gladness and joy within your heart and life.

“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better and gains gladness” (Ecclesiastes 7:3).