Dealing With Sorrow

6th Day of Lenten Devotional Series
Guest Post by: Debbie Robinson, Broadway United Methodist Church

Psalm 13:2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart everyday? How long will the enemy have the upper hand?

As I started my journey in healing from sorrow, "difficult" is the only word that comes to mind. Sorrow rests deep in my heart. Sorrow really began upon the sudden death of my father in 2009, then set in much deeper in 2011 when I found our son in his bedroom, taken by a sudden death. Oh, the incredible anguish! My firstborn son, my golden boy, my fearless man-soldier was not supposed to leave me. But for some inexplicable reason, he did; he is now with the Lord.

During Lent, I especially hold to and remember John 3:16 for this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Each of us is able to reach inner peace and happiness. We were not meant to suffer without hope while going through sorrow, but to ask for our heart to be open to happiness. First we have to recognize that we are carrying this deep sorrow. Second, we need to recognize why the sadness. Third, we learn to accept the sadness, using self-love and letting go. Fourth, we need to cry to release. I am still here. Certain things will trigger the tears, especially songs. When singing, I feel in touch with God’s healing, as my son always said, "getting down with Jesus when you sing."

During Lent, sorrow and healing can come together by being able to live and love open-heartedly and through prayer. I hold onto the last lines of a song by Crowder, (Come as You Are): "Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal."

Heavenly Father, thank you for your gracious greatness! I am so sorry that others don’t know and love you; so much darkness is present in the world. Please let us be a light with you to help clear this darkness. I ask you to heal those of us who struggle with sorrow. Let us see the glory of your son who died for so that might see joy again. In precious Jesus' name I pray. Amen!