Baptist City Blog

Mark 14:34

One of the great things about Jesus’ life on Earth is that He gave us an example of how to deal with every emotion. That is why Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” He completely understands everything you face because He was touched by every emotion that you will ever experience.

One of those areas where Jesus left us an example is in dealing with sorrow. Jesus was about ready to go to the cross. He completely understood everything He was about to experience. We can only speculate as to why He was sorrowful, but we do know that He was “exceeding sorrowful unto death.” The sorrow He faced was deep, but He still did what was right. In these verses, you can see what you need to do when you are dealing with sorrow.

First, keep your direction right. In verse 35 it says, “And he went forward a little…” I know this is talking about leaving the disciples and going forward to get alone, but it was a direction. The worst thing you can do during a time of sorrow is to set up camp in your time of sorrow and go nowhere. Life still goes on, even in your time of sorrow. Life does not stop when you are going through a time of sorrow, and that is why you must keep going forward. In other words, stay in your daily routine. Keep doing what you have always done. This is what helps you to overcome your sorrow. Routine has a way of taking the bite out of sorrow.

Second, keep your attitude right. Jesus’ attitude when He prayed was, “…not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Sorrow can move anyone to become selfish. Many people have become self-centered in their life during a time of sorrow to their detriment. Certainly, you are hurting, but you must continue to want God’s will for your life. Always remember that God’s will is what is best.

Third, keep your actions right. Jesus prayed after determining to go forward. Your actions in times of sorrow will determine your outcome. The best thing you can do during your time of sorrow is to pray. Prayer is the only thing that will turn sorrow into joy. It is the life of prayer that gives the Christian the power to deal with sorrow so that the fruit of the sorrow can be realized. Don't run to people for sympathy, but run to God for power to deal with your sorrow. It is the action of prayer which gives the eventual joy for which you are looking.

Fourth, keep your dependence right. Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee…” He still depended upon the Father during His time of sorrow. You must be careful not to turn your dependence to alcohol, vice or sinful pleasure, but keep your dependence upon God. Many people have turned to depend upon something that will give them a temporary reprieve only to see detrimental sorrow for the remainder of their lives. If you will keep your dependence upon God, He will give you the strength you need to deal with sorrow.

Sorrow is going to come, and how you deal with it will determine what becomes of your future. When sorrow comes your way, let these four actions become your life and you will eventually see your sorrow turned into joy.