Walk in the Light Outreach

Life can be incredibly challenging, and we all face moments when sadness seems to engulf us. Whether it’s due to personal loss, stress, or the weight of daily struggles, these feelings can be overwhelming. But here’s a comforting and uplifting truth: God doesn’t want you to remain in that place of sadness. His desire is to lift you out of the depths of despair and infuse your heart with joy and hope. He understands our pain deeply and offers comfort and peace that goes beyond what the world can provide. God’s intention is not for us to remain stuck in sorrow but to experience His healing and find renewed strength. Therefore, we can be confident that in every season of sadness, God is there, offering a path to joy and restoration.

He’s not far
When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to think that God might be distant or indifferent to your struggles. However, the Bible paints a different picture. Consider the record of Elijah’s despair and fear when he was fleeing from Jezebel and felt utterly defeated. After a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah ran for his life, deeply discouraged and feeling like he was the only faithful person left. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah finds himself alone in the wilderness, under a broom tree, praying for death because he feels overwhelmed and abandoned.

But God’s response to Elijah’s despair is both powerful and intimate. Instead of reprimanding Elijah, God provides for his physical needs with food and water, and then speaks to him in a gentle whisper. In 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NLT), we read, “11 Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.” This whisper reassures Elijah that God is present and still has a purpose for him, even when he felt utterly alone and defeated.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) offers this same comforting truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed”  Just as God comforted and renewed Elijah in his time of despair, He is close to us in our moments of sadness, ready to offer comfort, support, and renewal. God’s presence is not distant or indifferent; He is intimately involved in our struggles, bringing hope and healing when we need it most.

His Joy is Your Strength
What brings God joy? The answer to this question can be found in our relationship with Him. Psalm 147:11 (NLT) says, “The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” The fear that this verse references is a respectful reverence of God and a deep trust in His love. It’s not about the clothes or shoes we wear or how much others value or like us; it’s about our inner beauty that resonates a deep affection for our Heavenly Father. This relationship of awe and trust reflects a heart and mind that are aligned with God’s Will and a life lived in the light of His love and faithfulness.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) tells us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When we let God’s joy fill us up, it becomes a powerful force that helps us move forward, even in challenging times. By focusing on God’s goodness and finding joy in His presence, we tap into a strength that will carry us through.

God doesn’t want you to be sad. He wants to bring you comfort, joy, and peace. By trusting in His promises and leaning on His strength, you can move through your sadness and embrace a brighter future. Remember that God’s love for you is unwavering, and His desire is to see you flourish and find happiness. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to God’s Word, pray for His guidance, and let His joy and peace uplift you. He is right there with you, ready to turn your sadness into a testimony of His goodness and grace.  ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Doesn’t Want You to Be Sad”, written for Walk in the Light Outreach ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!