How Christians Can Cope With Sadness
As human beings, we experience a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative. As Christians, however, we are often taught to strive for perfection and to be godly in our actions and emotions. For some, this creates a tension between our humanity and our faith. In reality, the Bible affirms our emotions, and teaches us how to be human. The Bible shows us that it is alright for Christians to experience sadness, fear, happiness, anger, and even pride and the Bible helps us identify healthy patterns for expressing our emotions.
Sadness is a natural emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. Jesus Himself experienced deep sorrow and wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). Additionally, the Psalmist David expressed sadness and grief, such as Psalms 42:5, where he says,
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?”
This shows us that it is normal for us to feel sad at times, and express our emotions to God.
When we experience sadness, it can be a sign that our expectations have not been met. In Proverbs 13:12 it says,
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.”
This verse highlights the importance of having hope and how unfulfilled expectations can lead to sadness.
One way to cope with sadness is to seek support from professionals. Sometimes, talking to a therapist or counselor can help us process our emotions and find healthy ways to cope. Seeking professional advice and support can help us navigate our emotions. In Proverbs 15:22 we read,
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”
We can also seek support from our community. It is important to have a support system of friends and family who can provide us with love, encouragement, and support during difficult times. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it says,
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”
Being surrounded by a community of people who care for us can help us feel less alone and give us the strength to cope with sadness. That’s why we at PORTICO encourage believers to be part of a “Growth Group”, a small group that shares the ups and downs of life together.
In addition, as Christians, we can seek support from God. In Psalms 34:18 it says,
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
We can find comfort and strength in God’s love and care for us. Praying, reading the Bible, and attending church services can all provide us with a sense of peace and comfort during difficult times.
It is essential to recognize that feeling sad is a normal part of life. As Christians, we can cope with sadness by remembering that we do not have to face it alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength.