TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Bible is a book of tears in many ways. Sadness is woven throughout the pages of the Bible. Jacob mourns when he is told of the death of his son Joseph, saying he will “mourn until I join my son in the grave” (Genesis 37:35). Hannah is overcome with anguish because of her infertility to the point where when she prayed, the priest thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1). The widows in Joppa cry because of the death of Tabitha, a generous woman who had supplied them with clothes (Acts 9:36-39). The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat life. The Bible acknowledges the reality that the world is broken, and sadness is a part of it.
It can be easy for us to think if we are following God—everything will go well, and we will be happy all the time. But that’s not a biblical idea. The Bible shows us that the brokenness of this world brings sorrow. It’s okay to be sad when life gets difficult. It’s a part of living in a broken world. This week, we look at sadness and how to respond to it. We can’t sweep it under the rug or ignore it. Until we acknowledge the sadness in our life, we won’t respond to it properly.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Reflect on what has made you sad lately. Perhaps it’s something difficult you are going through, like Hannah or Jacob. Or maybe you find yourself sad about something you see in the world like abuse or human trafficking. Continue to use the Navigating Emotions tool to help you this week.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
JAMES 1:19–20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
