I wonder how you are feeling in the midst of the continuing Corona virus restrictions, and the introduction of yet another lockdown?
There are many emotions you might be experiencing; perhaps your feelings change on a daily basis as you process all that we are going through. Over the next few weeks, we are going to use these blog posts to explore some of these emotions, considering what The Bible might say into them, and how we deal with what we are feeling.
In this blog post, we are exploring ‘sadness’. Perhaps in this season you are sad – sad that you are no longer about to visit family or see friends, sad that you are unable to go to school or clubs, sad that so much of your normal routine has ceased to happen.
The first thing to say is that it’s perfectly okay to feel sad; it’s perfectly okay to grieve the things that are currently not able to happen.
Biblical Examples of Sadness
Let’s take a look at some examples in the Bible of where sadness has been felt.
- Nehemiah
In Nehemiah chapter 2, we read that Nehemiah is sad. King Artaxerxes notices that something is causing Nehemiah to appear downcast and questions him as to what it is. Nehemiah explains it is because the city of Jerusalem is in ruins
2. Jesus’ Followers
In the Gospel of Luke, shortly after the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, we read of a journey along the road to Emmaus that two of Jesus followers were making. As they journeyed, they discussed the events of the past few days, and Jesus, unrecognisable to them joined them on their journey. Jesus asked them what they were talking about, and looking sad, one of the men responded;
‘Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know what happened there?’
(The Bible – Luke Chapter 24 Verse 18; New Century Version)
3. Jesus
Jesus experienced the human emotion of sadness too! We see this in John’s Gospel, where we read of the death of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. Chapter 11 contains the shortest verse in the whole bible and it simply says, ‘Jesus wept’. Jesus was moved to tears by the death of his friend and by the grief of those surrounding him.
Biblical Responses to Sadness
So, it’s okay to experience sadness; but what do we do with that emotion? Well, let’s turn back to our Biblical examples to see how they each processed their sadness.
- Nehemiah
After the King hears what is causing Nehemiah distress, he asks what it is that Nehemiah would like. Nehemiah’s response is:
‘First I prayed to the God of heaven and then I answered the King’
(The Bible – Nehemiah Chapter 2 Verse 4&5; New Century Version)
As we continue to read the story of Nehemiah, we see him granted favour with the King. The King gives permission for Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the walls. More than that, we see Nehemiah sent with all the resources he will need to do so.
2. Jesus’ followers
Jesus’ followers expressed their sadness through talking the situation over with one another. They processed all that they were feeling, as they journeyed together. Ultimately, clarity was brought through Jesus joining them on the road. When they reached their destination, they went into the house, inviting Jesus to join them as they ate (at this point they still didn’t recognise Jesus). As they spent time with Jesus pouring out their emotions, the penny dropped. As Jesus broke bread, their eyes were opened and they realised who they had been journeying with!
3. Jesus
The first thing to note here, is that Jesus knew that he could and would bring Lazarus back to life! And yet, he still experienced sadness. Jesus was moved to tears that his friend had died and that others were deeply upset by this too. I think the most profound thing we can take from Jesus’ example is that he wept; Jesus allowed time to sit in the emotion and to allow it to physically manifest through tears. As we continue to read this story, we see the power of God displayed, as Jesus raises Lazarus to life again and calls him out of the grave.
How can we respond to Sadness
In all these encounters, God was central to the response of each person, even if they didn’t realise it at the time. These examples show us three keys to responding to sadness:
- Take time to dwell in the situation, to allow yourself to be honest with what it is that is making you sad.
If you need to cry, cry! Once you have allowed yourself to be honest about the situation and about what it is you are struggling with you can begin to process it.
- Take time to pray, give that situation over to God.
Be completely honest with God, tell Him how you feel and tell Him what it is that is causing you to feel sad.
- Take time to intentionally be in God’s presence.
Allow yourself time to just be with God. You don’t need an agenda, just simply hang out with God and allow Him to speak to you.
The Bible assures us that God hears our prayers and will answer, perhaps not in the way we anticipate or would like, but He does answer.
