The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

“For troubles surround me – too many to count!” – Psalms 40:12

Romans 8:18-23

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 . . . But with eager hope,
21 The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

On her wedding day, a young woman confided in her mother, expressing hope for her future. “Oh, Mother, my life has been so uncertain and often felt superficial. I’ve felt lost many times. But today, I feel I’ve reached the end of all my troubles.” With a knowing smile, her mother quipped, “Oh dear, you just don’t realize which end it is.”

Life is a series of transitions, each fraught with its own challenges: stepping into adulthood, embarking on a new career, tying the knot, welcoming a child, grieving a loss, or facing the end of a relationship. Often, we convince ourselves that these transitions mark the end of our struggles, only to discover they are just the beginning.

The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” captures a common human tendency to believe that others are in a better situation than we are. It reflects a natural inclination to idealize what we don’t have, often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and longing for change. This mindset can be both a motivator and a source of discontent.

Constantly believing that others have it better can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a failure to appreciate the present. This mindset can create a cycle where one is never truly content, always seeking something else rather than valuing what they already have.

As the Seventieth Week of Daniel draws near, a monumental transition is prophesied for the world and its people. It is a period marked by the “beginning of sorrows” or birth pangs. As Matthew 24:8 states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (KJV), “travail,” or “birth pangs” is odin. Odin refers to intolerable anguish from calamities preceding the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets used this metaphor to depict terrible suffering in general (Isaiah 13:8, Hosea 13:13). Like labor pains, these sorrows will grow in both intensity and frequency, culminating in a moment of profound transformation.

When the result is the birth of a child, it is well worth it. But what if the sorrows continue to cycle indefinitely?

REFLECT & PRAY

“Archaeologists have unearthed small ‘tear bottles’ in which mourners collected their tears and then deposited the bottle at the gravesite. The point is simply that God is aware of what we feel and how we suffer, and His records are accurate” (Wiersbe).

Father, thank You for being my constant companion through every life change. Your care and concern for me are overwhelming; You notice every tear and keep a record of them. Your love is astonishing. It takes my breath away. You are truly my Best Friend Forever.

INSIGHT

Hard times are no surprise to the Father. Life’s challenges and sorrows are known. The Lord Jesus Christ explained that difficulties are a part of life on Earth, but through Him, we can find peace.

John 16:33 reminds us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t shy away from telling His disciples about life’s hardships. Instead, He reassured them that they might have peace through Him. The Father is always aware of what each of His children will face. He tracks every sorrow, but more importantly, He is with us through every trial, never leaving anyone behind.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

The Father tracks all of our experiences and is familiar with the anguish and sorrow we experience. But grief often turns to joy. The travail of childbirth is frequently forgotten and replaced by joy when the child comes into the world.

John 16:21 illustrates this: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Many of our decisions regrettably cause us great anguish and pain. However, they are part of a journey where sorrow can be transformed into joy through His incredible grace. The Father has a remarkable way of doing this. Just as a mother forgets her pain when her child arrives, our sorrows can turn into deep joy. The joy that only the Lord Jesus Christ provides.

How does this happen? The Lord Jesus Christ shows the way.

This transformation happens when we look beyond our present circumstances and focus on the future. Dwelling on our difficulties in the present, the consequent distress and sorrow throw us into a downward cycle of remorse and sadness. Throughout history, believers have suffered for His name. But amid sorrow, the record reveals that they experienced sweet, pleasant times in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was with them, and He will be with us.

Jeremiah 31:12 paints a beautiful picture of this transformation: “They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD’s good gifts . . .. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.”

Matthew 11:28-30 invites us:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Through the Lord Lord Jesus Christ, we will find rest and a lighter burden, transforming sorrow into everlasting joy.

People are often overwhelmed by life’s demands and spiritual struggles. Jesus uses the metaphor of a “yoke” to symbolize the heavy burdens people face. He contrasts this with His own yoke, which is easy and a light burden. His teachings are designed not to weigh people down but to provide guidance and relief.

His invitation to come reflects His gentle and humble nature, assuring us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Instead, He offers a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and humility.

¯_(ツ)_/¯4-06-3

© Dr. H 2024