MONDAY April 9, 2018

Weeping Endures

So it was, as soon as he had finished speaking, that the king’s sons indeed came, and they lifted up their voice and wept. Also the king and all his servants wept very bitterly. - 2 Samuel 13:36

Absalom caused so much grief through the murder of his brother. His sin had affected his family, the servants and most likely saddened the entire kingdom. Imagine this emotional scene as a relieved father reunites with his sons, who at first were thought dead. Everyone was distraught, they lifted up their voices in grief and wept––it was heart wrenching.

Solomon, David and Bathsheba’s son would later write the book of Ecclesiastes. He began chapter three by saying: To every time there is a season… a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…

Remember when David first became king? It had been a time to dance before the Lord.A joyful season as he worshiped God. The Ark of the Covenant, which represented the Lord’s presence among His people, was back in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14-15). In a sudden turn of events, David’s joy had been turned into mourning. He was to endure a time of weeping and great sorrow.

I believe with all my heart that if only we would stop to consider how our sin affects, not only our lives, but the lives of others, we would think twice about sinning. When we experience grief, pain and sorrow we are to look to the Lord for comfort. David himself wrote: …weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

God is with you in every season of your life. It is important to remember not to let your enemy, Satan, steal your joy. Nehemiah encouraged his people when they were sorrowful: “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lordis your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
~Thomas Moore~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!