THURSDAY January 6, 2022

Encouragement for Sorrow

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
Philippians 2:27-28

It was recorded in Scripture that Epaphroditus almost died. He was going through some illness in his life, but God had mercy on him, and the Apostle Paul. God knew the death of Epaphroditus would have caused Paul sorrow upon sorrow. Who would have ministered to his needs? The Scriptures declare plainly that there is an appointed time to die: And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Understand, this was not Epaphroditus’ appointed time to die.

I believe with all my heart, there are certain people in the body of Christ who like to come alongside believers who are going through tremendous trials––to encourage them–– at the right time and at the right moment. Think about it. Who has come alongside you when you were all depressed and discouraged? How we need those people in the body of Christ!

Often it is the Lord Himself who will come alongside us. He will remind us of His promises and carry us through our sorrows until we are revived. Psalm 30:5 encourages us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. When Jesus died on the Cross, it was said of Him: Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...

What sorrows are you experiencing today? Allow the Lord to carry your sorrows. They are often too heavy for you to bear. Let the Lord take them and bring you to a place of rest, peace and even rejoicing.

Our sorrows are all, like ourselves, mortal. There are no immortal sorrows for immortal souls. They come, but blessed be God, they also go. Like birds of the air, they fly over our heads. But they cannot make their abode in our souls. We suffer today, but we shall rejoice tomorrow.
~C. H Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!