Has Life Gotten You Down?

No one could ever say that life is easy.

In Scripture we find a very realistic look at life. Whether Job in the loss of everything he had or Paul and Peter placed in prison and finally executed, Scripture shows us life as it really is.

What happened to John the Baptist is one of the most tragic and difficult events in all of history (Matthew 14:1-12).

Jesus called John the greatest of those people who lived before the coming of the Messiah. Yet, he was beheaded because he dared speak truth and serve God faithfully.

Jesus grieved over the death of John.

John’s death and the grief of Jesus give us a powerful understanding of how to deal with hurt and sorrow.

Here is what Jesus did.

First, He allowed himself time to grieve. Everyone experiences grief. No one is exempt from difficult or sad days. After John’s death, Jesus went to a “lonely place“ Matthew 14:13). Either Jesus wanted to get away from the madness of Herod Antipas or He wanted to have time to mourn. Possibly, He wanted to do both.

We need to understand that everyone grieves differently and at a different pace. We should allow the people around us as well as ourselves to grieve in the way that is natural for them.

Second, Jesus did not have unrealistic expectations about sorrow. Neither should we. At John’s death, Jesus spent time mourning. We should allow ourselves the same time and expectations.

Third, Jesus used his grief for John for the long term good. Immediately following His going into that lonely place we see Jesus doing what may be his most famous miracle. He fed the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21).

Fourth, Jesus needed time alone and he needed time with people. Almost all of us are the same way.

When you have difficult times, I would encourage you to be willing to spend some time alone, and I would also encourage you to make sure you don’t neglect the company of others. We need both. We must not isolate ourselves.

Fifth, Jesus found people to bless and help in the middle of His grief. Helping others blesses others and will help us as well.

Paul tells us that God comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may comfort others as we have been comforted (2 Corinthians 1:3-6).

It’s amazing what good things can happen even out of the worst times.

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4 Responses

  1. Sad but true! Sometimes we never understand but God has a plan and it will all work out for his Glory. I have to Remind myself that this world is not my home I’m only passing through what a glorious day it will be when we get to meet our savior in heaven.

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