The Benefits of Sadness

Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:3NKJV)

This is a very interesting verse! I like the clarification that comes from the Living Bible translation:

Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.

The preacher who pens this Ecclesiastes verse presents us with a thought-provoking concept. Essentially he is saying that the sorrow man faces – challenges to health and well-being, family, and survival – serve us well. The heart is made better: fortified, humbled, intentional regarding honor. In contrast, the heart which faces no challenge is given to selfishness, vanity, and a lack of integrity. But a stable, character is not built in the absence of challenge.

Our Savior has promised us that in this world we will have tribulation. There is therefore no lack of opportunity to be fortified and humbled, to grow in integrity and honor. These times of distress are moments that the Lord can seize to give us opportunity to grow in intimacy with and trust in Him. God is with us. He will never leave us. He will lead and protect and strengthen us in the midst of these trials.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

James reminds us to endure in hardship, to let it do its work in us so that at the conclusion of the time of trial we may be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).

That’s a tall order!  But it is good to know that in the midst of our sorrow, sadness, and trials, the Lord is refining us and that He is strengthening us to triumphantly walk through our seasons of challenge.