“For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it – for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while – I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us” (2 Corinthians 7:8-9).
Sorrow sometimes seems like something evil in our time. Is not sorrow lament? Is not much of lament what we want rather than accepting what is? Does not the Lord, who knows all things, have you in His plan? Do you see how we struggle not so much with what we feel, but with our feelings driving us because of pride? We are to trust the Lord above all things and know His plan is perfect.
Lord, I do sorrow and that is not sin. I feel what I feel. I do sorrow over the state of rebellion in this age and so do You. Guide me to have godly sorrow that I would not be driven by my feelings, but by the truth You have revealed, that all things are now and always in Your hands. Lead me, Lord, to lament as You teach me, and to trust as You have caused my heart to do.
Lord Jesus, You looked out and wept. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I would not sorrow as those who have no hope, but would deal with every situation as You lead. Guide me to grow through every sorrow that I would be strengthened to live this life You have given me according to the Father’s will. Help me see that there is divine purpose in everything that happens in this life. Amen.
