When Sorrow Runs Deep

Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will

rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. - John 16: 22 NASB

I remember fishing in the ocean on a clear day in crystal clear water. The boat was anchored, and I could see the rope leading to the anchor resting in the sand below. A friend suggested we go for a swim since the water was calm. I agreed and jumped out of the boat. Once I opened my eyes underwater, I realized how deep it was. Panic set in, and I swam as fast as I could to get back into the boat without hesitation, kind of like a flying fish.

I felt safer in the boat, even though being in it didn’t change the depth of the water beneath us. Sorrow can run deep, anchoring us in place and causing us to stay in our comfort zones. We may be fully aware of our sorrow but unaware of how profoundly it affects us. Consequently, we may struggle to truly enjoy life, like my fishing experience.

We eventually made our way to shallower waters and back to the shore. I felt a sense of relief heading toward the coast, and may this be the case with sorrow. Because of our hope in Jesus, the depths of our sorrow can become less overwhelming.

When sorrow runs deep, lift your concerns to the Lord in prayer. Focus on things worthy of praise and give glory to the Lord, which will help lift the anchor of heaviness and grant you peace that surpasses all understanding. In doing so, you will be planted on solid ground by the Lord as an oak of righteousness, displaying His splendor. (Philippians 4; Isaiah 61:3)

Heavenly Father, You are a loving God and want Your children to experience joy and peace. You told us we would have troubles in this life, and You have given us ways to overcome them. We lift sorrow up to You, and we thank You that You are our source of hope, peace and joy. Thank You for planting us as an oak of righteousness so that we may display Your splendor. When trouble comes, we will be immovable.

This devotion by author Terrie Miles is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing, or use of this material is prohibited.