“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13).
“What is wrong? Are you worried, concerned, angered about something?”
One might be tempted to ask these questions of many we encounter today because of actions, words, or expressions of face. Everyone experiences that broken-heartedness, fear, worry, confusion caused by national unrest, or personal crises. The Scripture tells us that if we allow this sorrow of heart to continue, it can break our spirits. Tormenting grief is from the devil!
Certainly, grief and sorrow are natural emotions. However, we must not embrace these emotions as believers. Just as it is not wrong to feel fear when we are in danger; however, it is wrong to embrace fear because it will destroy our faith. We must not embrace grief (allow it to control) either, as the Scripture tells us to “sorrow not.”
Grief, sorrow, heartache, anguish, angst, misery, unhappiness, anxiousness, or worry not released to God has a deadly hold. We carry a heavy burden aching for freedom. We may find a temporary sense of freedom when someone is supportive, or when we cry a little, but often this feeling turns back into a crushing pain of aloneness or worry that is most unbearable. Grief, sorrow, or fear can become unwelcome friends to hurt us, not help us. We must refuse to give in to them. We must resist sorrow and grief and ask for God’s peace and comfort when we face loss, overwhelming fear, heartache, confusion and indecision.
How can we get past heartbreak, unrest, over things that rob our peace and joy?
We must give the nation, the person, or situation to the Lord and ask Him to lift the sorrow, grief, and fear from our hearts, to give His wisdom and peace in their places. The situations may not change, but we must not allow the enemy to torment us with grief, sorrow, confusion or indecision. God will help! God is the one that will rescue us and help us in our hour of need.
“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)