Sadness of the Heart
Dear Friends,
When we see what is happening in our practices, in our communities, in our country, in our world, why do we care? And why does that caring sometimes lead us to express an unbearable sadness?
I believe that those people who are in tune with God’s voice and His plan for their life are often struck with a deep feeling that can best be described as a “sadness of heart.” People can experience this feeling to different degrees at different times in their life as they grow and blossom spiritually. They are not suffering from a physical ailment, but rather sense a deep, throbbing, heavy pain at their very core.
I believe this feeling comes about because these “in tune” folks have taken a look around them and seen the bad things that are happening in the world -- poverty, mistreatment, greed and starvation, to name a few. They know absolutely in their faith that these things are not part of God’s plan for us.
So why do we care so much?
When you believe that God is in control of your life, the wealth of His blessings become so evident in everyday situations. You’ve let the light of God into your very being. You want to share that joy with others to show them that they, too, can experience the joy that comes from unwavering faith and worship of Him, embracing His plan and walking with Him in its fulfillment. At the same time, when you see others not on that faith walk who are acting in painful, destructive, negative ways – toward themselves, their families or their community – it’s gut wrenching. You feel deep sadness just as God feels deep sadness when one of His flock goes astray. That’s part of the blessing and the burden that some would say comes with living your life as a wholehearted Christian.
Have you experienced that deep, gut wrenching sadness of heart when you’ve felt to your very core that God’s plan wasn’t being embraced, either by yourself or others? How did you respond? What did you do? How did you change? Share your story and inspire others.
Blessings,
Ron
I care deeply and I will continue to care. I realized recently that when my mother had bought me a poem about marching to the beat of a different drummer, that beat was the heart beat of God. It has been a long road to wake up to that realization, but there is no other road to take that will lead us home. I have tried many other roads, yet it is the narrow road, that leads to abundant life. Praise God for leading us on the narrow path to true freedom. As an act of my will, and not feelings, I choose to praise, even in the darkest of days, and that is what will open up the way. I don't how or when, but for the most part that is not my business. It is up to the Lord how He will do it and when. Meanwhile, I go about my daily duties, finding pleasure in the small simple tasks, knowing that He sees and knows the work of my hands and that they are dedicated to Him. Let us not despise the days of small beginnings. (or endings for that matter.)
Be Blessed,
Christine Ristow
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Well said - I sincerely appreciate the call to be in touch with issues, challenges gretarer than myself and my practice. I need the upward and outward focus.
thank you.
Greg Jackson
Castle Rock, CO
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The other day I called a long time minister friend. I called him before lunch and asked if I could take him to lunch. I had a special prayer need and I wanted to share with him this need for prayer. When I drove in his drive way and he was coming out, I thought it was Jesus coming and getting in the car with me. He face was aglow. He was walking with a cane. He was so humble, kind, considerate, and full of all of the good graces tht make life so beautiful. Speaking of caring, as we talked, he told me about his prayer list and that I was on his prayer list and had been there for a long time. My heart was so touched and I am grateful that there are still a lot of people out there who have a heart full of compassion for others and for God's causes.
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Although I do find myself at times being sadened by what's happenning around us, I thank God that at the same time I can experience joy in my heart for what Christ did for us. As Christians we need to be reminded that our emotions and the peace of God that only He gives us are poles apart. Let's have joy! He is on the throne and in control of it all.
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