A Time to Weep and Mourn

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven — a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

No, no, no! I’m not supposed to cry. I’m not supposed to be sad. I have the joy of the Lord in my heart. Where is my faith if I give into these emotions? But I can’t hold them back.

There was a time where I couldn’t handle allowing myself to feel anything but joy. Anything less was unacceptable. And when I failed at it, it meant I was just a weakling that needed to try harder. But failure after failure eventually taught me that there is a time to weep, a time to mourn, and that’s okay.

Because mourning can be the gateway to joy. If you are pouring your heart out to God in those moments, sharing your burdens with your brethren, and seeking comfort and strength in the right places, then peace, hope, and love will result.

Peace in learning to trust that God is with you.

Hope for better things to come through Christ.

Love through the strengthened bonds of fellowship.

And peace, hope, and love bring joy.

So, it’s okay. Weep and mourn. There’s a time for that. But remember, there’s also a time to laugh and dance, and it will come if you allow God to work in His time.

Prayer:
Teach me, Lord, to know when it is time to weep and mourn and let my sorrow be the gateway to joy as I learn what peace, hope, and love is all about through Christ. Amen.

Truth in love,
Heather