Dealing with Sadness … Again

It’s easy to become weary when we focus on our sadness. Jesus warned us about these times in John 16:33, “… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows …”
Taking these words to heart, what could happen if we shifted our focus? If we have seasons of sadness, then, that means we must also have seasons when we aren’t sad. What would happen if we realized we’ve been restored—even if it’s just for a short period of time.
Did you come from a broken home?
Have you gone through a painful divorce?
Has life seemed so dark that suicide was a viable option?
These can be outrageously sad times. But there’s more to John 16:33, “…But take heart, because I have overcome the world”.
There’s life after darkness! Our Heavenly Father is the source of restoration. When we give our hurts to the Ultimate Healer, it’s amazing how our view can change. Know that sadness awaits us all. Our lives are typically in one of three holding patterns:

1. We are in the middle of a dark situation,
2. We just came through a difficult time and are standing in emotional sunshine, or
3. We are about to be blind-sided by an experience that can potentially rock our world.

Consider this:
If you came from a broken home, you can help others work through pain experienced in their home life.
If you felt the pain of divorce and have opened your life and let in Jesus’ love, you may have a wealth of knowledge to share with those traversing the ocean of unforgiveness.
If you know what it’s like to experience God’s mercy after contemplating suicide, you know better than anyone else what the sweet taste of grace is like.
Allow God’s words to comfort and empower you. Let Hebrews 13:5’s word, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, resonate in your heart. And know the message from 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” is meant for you as well.
Sadness will visit us, but we don’t have to allow it to live with us.