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 Mourning Turned to Joy

The world is so full of violence, destruction and sudden deaths that few people are spared completely. If you're not mourning personally, chances are you're somehow involved in feeling someone else's pain.

Mourning is a natural phenomenon necessary to allow the emotions to be released. Depending on the emotional state of the person, the circumstances, and customs, the duration varies greatly. The longer the mourning period lasts, however, the harder it can be to pull out of it without drugs or therapy.

But, I want to share the good news that there is someone who can heal your sadness and turn it into joy. Jesus has come to comfort all that mourn and to them "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." (Isa. 61: 2 - 3)

Do you know that God will raise you up when you are bowed down and give you the desires of your heart? He will hear the cry of those who know Him and trust in His Word, and save them from their distress. (Ps. 145: 14 - 19)

God is good. In fact, that is who He is. He is the definition of ultimate goodness. There is no evil in Him. He cannot give what He does not have. Evil is personified by the god of this world. As long as you live in this world, evil and death are all around you.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." But you, my friend, can rise above it all by casting your cares upon Him, because He cares for you! He will heal, strengthen and exalt you! (1 Pet. 5: 6 - 10)

It is comforting to know that Jesus himself suffered and was subject to all the grief you are going through. Having humbled Himself to come down to earth as a man, He deeply understands your sorrows! (Heb. 3: 16 - 18)

If you have made Him Lord of your life, then you know that Jesus Christ has conquered death once and for all. Rejoice, therefore, that your name is in the Lamb's Book of Life. Call upon Him and He will give you rest. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Ps. 147: 3)

Go to your Father as a child and ask Him to comfort you. Seek His face; tell Him all about your sorrow. Don't just assume He already knows it. That's true, but He wants to have a relationship with you. He does force Himself in your life, even to bring blessings. He wants you to come to Him and tell Him everything that's on your heart. He will not only hear you and talk with you, but guide you in all things. Even when your parents turn their back on you, He will pick you up! (Ps. 27: 8; 10)

Trust me. There is no one on earth more loving, giving, understanding, beautiful, wise and ever-present to you than He is. Soon you will be singing praises to Him in thanksgiving for turning your mourning into dancing and filling you with gladness! (Ps. 30: 11-12)



Ann Stewart is author of With Wings As Eagles, an inspiring story of unwavering faith in God's Word and answered prayer: Website