Sorrow 

   “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (1 Cor 7:10) 

   For what do we sorrow?  Especially during Lent the answer to this question should be foremost in our mind and in our heart.  Sorrow can be either a blessing which leads us closer to God or a curse which drags us into despondency.

   When we sorrow for the ills of this world we must recognize that sin is the cause of those evils.  A world that shuns God and His ways will always know sorrow.  The story of God’s chosen people is a lesson in sorrow.  When they were faithful and obedient to God their sorrows were relieved.  However, each time they turned from the one true God and began worshipping the gods of this world their sorrows returned and increased.

   In our society today we are suffering in many ways just as the Israelites suffered.  Our sorrows are the result of a turning away, a rejection of God and His ways.  We, like so many before us, turn to the false gods of money, ego, and the many other worldly desires with which Satan tempts us.

   When we understand that the sorrows we know are the result of our sins and failings we can begin to turn from them and toward our Savior.  When we turn to Him our sorrows will be relieved, and even the sorrows of this world become less burdensome.

   Faith in Christ reminds us that whatever sorrows we may know in this world are temporary.  When we turn to Him and place our faith and trust in Him our sorrows will be eased, and we will come to know the peace and serenity of God’s love.