Grief has a way of halting day-to-day activities, bringing us to a stand still. Sorrow is clothed with a heavy garment; losing a job, breaking up with someone, not getting an offer accepted on your dream home, or the passing of a loved one can overwhelm us with deep emotional strain.
Jesus gives us a great exchange. We give Him our sin and He makes us white as snow. We give Him our sorrow, and He gives us joy. We give Him our burdens, and He will help carry them.
God desires to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).
Jesus invites us to live a more peaceful life, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28, NIV.
What are some indicators that we don’t have peace? You feel:
- Pressure
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Overwhelmed
- Irritable
This world doesn’t know the difference between joy and fun. They think if they have a good time they will feel better. Proverbs 14:13 says, “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful.” It matters what things we allow to entertain us.
It is not only scientifically proven that humor can be healing, but it is proven Biblically. God designed laughter to have healing properties in our body. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which is known as a “feel good hormone.” This is why the Bible says, laughter is like a good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).
Yes, laughter is like a good medicine, but that is not always an indicator you have peace. Fun is fleeting, but joy abides.
Several emotions can be held in tension with one another. We can feel sadness, but have joy at the same time. We can feel happiness, while still grieving. We can feel thankful and still mourn a loss. God’s power and love is sufficient for whatever we feel. He is the One who has created emotions; therefore, He is the One who can help us navigate them.
Let us experience the great exchange today.
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