The Upper Room Daily Devotional | 30th December 2021 | Thursday Message
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Overcoming Sadness
Kim Harms (Iowa, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 30:1-12
KEY VERSE: You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. – Psalm 30:11 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional | 30th December 2021 Message
Every once in a while I’m overwhelmed by fears that my cancer will return. The fear often catches me off guard and leads me to despair. I don’t relish the sad days, but I know it’s okay to have them. On the hard days, however, I know that God still loves me. As I endure the melancholy and tears, I know the pain will eventually pass.
Recently, on the evening of a sad day, a group of my son’s friends came for dinner. They come every week and fill my house with laughter while they eat my mediocre cooking. My sadness almost caused me to cancel the gathering, but something happened as they all happily crammed around our dining table. My sadness lifted and was replaced with joy. Those boys will likely never know it, but God used their happiness to bring me peace.
Much in life can bring deep sadness. But God is good and a giver of good things. Life itself is a gift. My sons are a gift. Their friends are a gift. My time on this earth is a gift — every sad second and every joy-filled moment.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you that you are always with us — even in our deep sadness. Thank you for the beautiful ways that you show up to bring us joy. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Sadness will come, but God’s gift of joy will follow.
PRAYER FOCUS
People overcome by sadness