We all have experienced sadness in our lives. If not yet, we will at some point. It is a natural part of being human. Some sadness is brief and fleeting like the sunny showers in Florida. Other sadness can hit like a hurricane, coming at us strong and leaving behind a path of destruction. Regardless of the type of sadness, one constant has remained in my life: the joy that comes from God alone. He promises us in Isaiah 12:3, Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. I am so thankful that no matter how dire the circumstances are, I can tap into the well of salvation to draw out joy!
I recall a major hurricane that wreaked havoc in my life. After seventeen years, my marriage was ripped apart. The grief I experienced during that storm was immense because I was losing my family. I had done everything I could to hold on to the marriage, yet I kept losing. It was all I could do to pull myself out of bed each day and keep on going. Here are some of the lessons that God taught me during this storm.
I must choose to do right.
While I thought I wanted nothing more than to save my marriage, I was reminded that there was something bigger that needed my focus. I needed to do right. I had two children to protect. I needed to stand on principle rather than cave in to the demands of a manipulator. I learned to listen to God first. It was tempting to give in and to take the easy road; but James 1:12 reminded me, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. I love God, so I knew I must endure the trial for His glory.
I must be in my place.
It would have been easy to pull out and avoid the questioning looks from fellow church members. It would have been easy to run away to another city and start over, or so it seemed. Every time I thought about pulling back, God reminded me that I was commanded to be in my place. Hebrews 10:25 says, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. I needed the exhortation, and He wanted me to be in church to get the support necessary to survive this storm.
It is okay to cry.
For weeks and then months, I could not attend a church service without tears flowing. Sometimes, it was because I was losing the battle. Other times, it was because of all the painful emotions. When the soloist sang “Someone Is Praying for You,” it felt as if she were singing directly to my heart. I learned that it was okay to cry. I was in good company because, after all, Jesus wept (John 11:35). In my times of deep sorrow, my church family allowed me to be human. I am forever grateful that they let me mourn without prying into my reasons. I was able to work through my sorrow and look forward to the day mentioned in Revelation 7:17 and 21:4 when …God shall wipe away all tears…
God will fight my battles.
Perhaps this is the most important lesson I learned. He not only will wipe away my tears one day but also will fight my battles for me right now. Jeremiah 31:2 says, Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. Even though I was devastated and in a wilderness, I had grace available to me. God was fighting my battles so I could rest.
There can be joy in times of sadness.
Psalm 34:17-18 says, The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. What a blessing to realize that God hears me, delivers me, and wants to draw nigh unto me!
The sadness does not have to last forever. Psalm 30:5 gives us the promise that …weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. John 16:20 reminds us that …ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Meanwhile, if you are going through a storm, decide to do right no matter what; stand by your biblical principles. Regardless of how difficult it may be, strive to be in your place; do not quit serving God and being faithful. Remember that it is okay to cry; mourning is part of healing. Then, when things seem to be the most impossible to endure, do not give up because you can rest assured that God will fight your battles for you. I am a testimony that there can be joy in times of sadness and that one day your sorrow will indeed be turned into joy!
by Melissa Caperton
