"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”--John 16:33(NLT)
Life can get messy and complicated. There are times when even our most well-crafted plans go awry. Unforeseen challenges, obstacles, and flat-out "drama" can shake us to the core, leaving us in a bewildering state of despair. Have you ever experienced such overwhelming sorrow and disappointment that you find yourself hopelessly searching for the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? If so, you are not alone. Consider the laments and woe of King David:
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, And let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily. For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.."--Psalm 102:1-7(NKJV)
Ouch! Right? David is describing some real sorrow and disappointment. His emotions are so raw, he says his heart is withered like grass. It's so bad, he has lost his appetite. He describes himself as a lonely sparrow on a housetop. That's an honest description of real emotional pain. So, how do we emerge and overcome when we find ourselves in a low place, encapsulated in pain and hurt? David gives us a key:
"My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word."--Psalm 119:28 (NKJV)
One of the ways we overcome sorrow and disappointment is through the word of God. God's word is our compass. It's our guide for traversing life's hurdles and challenges (Psalm 119:105). God's word is Spirit and life (John 6:33). God's word is also quick and alive (Hebrews 4:12). When we speak God's word we are spiritually strengthened, empowered, and rejuvenated.
Another key to overcoming sorrow and disappointment is to remember Jesus' teachings:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”--John 16:33(NLT)
In his infinite wisdom, love, and desire that we live a full, abundant, prosperous life (John 10:10), Jesus tells us that things will not always be peaches and cream. We will have challenges and difficulties. There will be times that our hearts are overwhelmed. We will face disappointments. We will feel sorrow. But, we are assured peace in Christ. And, because He has overcome--His power, which is at work in us, gives us the ability to be overcomers too! This is such good news. Sorrow and disappointment need not consume us and zap us of our energy, vitality, and hope. We have a lively hope that comes through Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:3).
As we approach Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday), may we all remember the gift that Christ Jesus has given each of us--the gift of eternal life, of course. But, also the capacity to overcome and live victorious lives because of his power at work in each of us (Ephesians 3:20).
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, And let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily. For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.."--Psalm 102:1-7(NKJV)
Ouch! Right? David is describing some real sorrow and disappointment. His emotions are so raw, he says his heart is withered like grass. It's so bad, he has lost his appetite. He describes himself as a lonely sparrow on a housetop. That's an honest description of real emotional pain. So, how do we emerge and overcome when we find ourselves in a low place, encapsulated in pain and hurt? David gives us a key:
"My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word."--Psalm 119:28 (NKJV)
One of the ways we overcome sorrow and disappointment is through the word of God. God's word is our compass. It's our guide for traversing life's hurdles and challenges (Psalm 119:105). God's word is Spirit and life (John 6:33). God's word is also quick and alive (Hebrews 4:12). When we speak God's word we are spiritually strengthened, empowered, and rejuvenated.
Another key to overcoming sorrow and disappointment is to remember Jesus' teachings:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”--John 16:33(NLT)
In his infinite wisdom, love, and desire that we live a full, abundant, prosperous life (John 10:10), Jesus tells us that things will not always be peaches and cream. We will have challenges and difficulties. There will be times that our hearts are overwhelmed. We will face disappointments. We will feel sorrow. But, we are assured peace in Christ. And, because He has overcome--His power, which is at work in us, gives us the ability to be overcomers too! This is such good news. Sorrow and disappointment need not consume us and zap us of our energy, vitality, and hope. We have a lively hope that comes through Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:3).
As we approach Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday), may we all remember the gift that Christ Jesus has given each of us--the gift of eternal life, of course. But, also the capacity to overcome and live victorious lives because of his power at work in each of us (Ephesians 3:20).
