Grief and Sorrow
I. Grief and sorrow are a result of:
A. My sin (1 Sam. 25:30-31) (Psalms 31:9-10) (John 21:17).
B. The sin of others against us (Prov. 10:1) (2 Cor. 2:4-5).
C. Unresolved guilt (Mark 10:21-22) (John 21:17).
D. Anger toward ourselves for our failures (Gen. 45:5).
E. Because we have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13).
F. The loss of a loved one (John 11:33-36).
G. Grief is just a part of life in a fallen world (Gen. 3:16-19) (Psalms 90:10).
H. Wrong priorities (1 Tim. 6:10).
II. How can you deal with grief and sorrow?
A. Recognize Jesus bore all your grief and sorrow (Isaiah 53:4).
B. You must sorrow in a godly manner which will always lead to repentance wherever it is needed (2 Cor. 7:10).
C. If you confess your sin, He promises to forgive (1 John 1:9).
D. You must go to prayer as Hannah was with her grief and sorrow. Remember, God heard her cry for help (1 Sam. 1:12-16).
E. You must recognize that some suffering and grief must be endured, because of your conscience toward God. Even though you may suffer wrongfully, God will sustain you (1 Pet. 2:19-21) (1 Pet. 4:19).
F. You must be hopeful knowing that this feeling of grief will pass if you will continue to come to the Father in prayer. He will replace your sorrow with joy (Isaiah 61:3) (John 16:24).
G. Seek out a friend to bear this burden of grief with you by their listening ear, counsel, and prayer for you (Gal. 6:1-2)(Prov. 18:13).
H. Notice Jeremiah's grief and despair lead him to prayer. See the balance here of his actions. He didn't hide or bottle up his emotions, but neither did he wallow in his grief. You must be balanced enough to allow someone to share your grief, but you must also take the necessary action that will help resolve this grief. This will always entail seeking a deeper relationship with the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3). He heals broken hearts (Luke 4:18). When Jeremiah remembered his afflictions and problems, he said his soul would "sink" within him. Yet when he considered the Lord in prayer he found hope (Lam. 2:19-26). This will be your ultimate solution as well.
This study was written by Pastor Steve Carr. If we can be of any further assistance please contact us at www.covenantkeepers.org or