Grief Not Allowed
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20
In our culture, it seems more acceptable for us to be angry than sad. Consequently, many of us stumble through life without understanding our feelings, completely out of touch with our emotions. We may be deeply grieved by a number of circumstances, but we don’t feel safe acknowledging our sadness. It’s socially “okay” for them to vent their anger, but not to explore and discuss the deep hurt beneath it.
When you feel sad, anger seems like a safe retreat. It causes your adrenaline to rush. It commands attention and demands respect. It allows you to stay in control, and it keeps uncomfortable feelings and situations at a safe distance. However your failure to grieve can actually poison you.
The Bible offers no precedent for us to suppress our grief. The Old Testament depicts many people showing real grief. The men of Israel would rip their clothes, sprinkle themselves with ashes, wear black armbands, and spend time in mourning. They would wail before the Lord without feeling shame.
That experience allowed them to express their emotions and then move on without the baggage of repressed feelings. When we don’t grieve, we stuff our disappointments and sadnesses, and compensate for them with other less-threatening emotions, and at the top of the list is anger. But Scripture gives you liberty to grieve, so when you need to, openly grieve!
“To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness.” - Erich Fromm (1900-1980)
To purchase this devotional please visit New Life Ministries
Taken from The Life Recovery Devotional: Thirty Meditations from Scripture for Each Step in Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Copyright © 1991 by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
7 Things to Stop! 7 Things to Start! 7 Minutes That Matter Most!
If you're thinking the 7-minute solution to a happier marriage sounds far too simplistic, even a bit crazy, we dare you to read this book. It will revolutionize your marriage. Drawing from an extensive national survey of more than 1300 men and women, best-selling author Steve Arterburn first reveals 7 things you must stop doing that damage your marriage. Second, he presents 7 positive things you must start doing to build a great marriage. But most important, he tells you what to do if your spouse is not willing to do anything. As Arterburn explores those behaviors with real-life stories and biblical insight, you will discover fresh ideas and greater motivation to make your marriage thrive. Finally, Arterburn reveals a final 7 that brings you to the heart of the matter! The 7 minutes that will matter most for any couple, no matter whether you're just thinking of getting married or have been together for many years. Once you get it, you'll never question the 7-minute marriage solution!
Share with your friends