MONDAY: IT’S OKAY TO BE SAD

Oct 24, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I woke up sad today. I have experienced loss and need to receive Your comfort. I am also sad because of my sin; please cleanse me as I confess and repent.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

Keeping a name unblemished makes it good, for who wants a name that belongs to those known for doing bad things? The family name may be good, but the name of Christ is to be revered. Therefore, I should accept my place among the children of God and lift up the name of the Lord: I am a child of the Most High King!

Living in the houses of feasting and pleasure will keep my heart focused on myself. If I go there, I will gorge myself with things that are not be good for me. In the house of mourning, however, there are plenty of opportunities to stay focused on others. If I’ve experienced loss, I am grateful for the support; if others have lost, then I can help comfort them in their grief.

Why is a sad face good for the heart? It’s okay to be sad; experiencing negative emotions such as grief and sadness is healthy when I have lost something or someone.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: This sentiment was echoed by Jesus, who proclaimed, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). The sadness in my heart is caused by the realization that I have sinned, and my sin is not pleasing to God.

If I want to be wise, I will frequent this house of mourning to keep my heart humble before the Lord. Both feasting and pleasure lend themselves to a prideful heart. The only healing for a prideful heart is my confession of sin to the Lord from a state of submissive humility.

I know there will be times when I am sad. Knowing how to go to the Lord to receive His comfort, as well as receiving the comfort of those around me, will help strengthen my heart and allow Him to use me to comfort others.

Lord, in every day, in every space, and each and every time, when I have experienced loss and pain, You have been my comfort, my peace, and my joy. Please continue to use me and teach me to be a comfort to others who have experienced sadness, loss, and trying times, so I can be a blessing to them for Your glory.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman