Sorrow Plays a Role

Therefore, David took hold of his own clothes and tore them and so did all the men who were with him. 12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 2 Samuel 1:11-12 (NKJV)

Even though Saul pursued David and tried to kill him, he still mourned his death. He mourned Saul because of the profound impact Saul had on him and the people of Israel. Saul was the first King of Israel, and his death marked a significant turning point in Israel's history. David mourned not only for the loss of Saul, but also for the loss of a sacred office established by God, and the deep bond between David and Jonathan. David instructed his men to mourn for Saul because he was "the LORD's anointed king," representing a significant loss for the country. He knew that the Israelites would need to mourn Saul before they could move on.

David's deep grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan highlights the significance of mourning. It teaches us that expressing sorrow is a natural and necessary part of life, allowing us to process our emotions and seek comfort in God. It is a shared human experience that calls for empathy and mutual support within the community. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This verse highlights the idea that mourning can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of one's relationship with God. The blessing mentioned here reflects God's enduring favor and assurance of comfort to those who are hurting. Mourning is also a catalyst for personal growth by forcing us to confront our deepest emotions, face our fears, and reevaluate our priorities. It pushes us to find new ways of coping, adapt to change, and ultimately develop a stronger sense of self.

Choose to express your feelings when you are hurt and mourning. Don't hold it in, because it only hurts you and restricts your growth. Go to your pastor, a personal friend, or a recovery group and open your heart. Let them pray over you for healing and comfort. If you have experienced something that someone else is going through, go to them and offer comfort. Let them know that God brought you through your sorrow and he will do the same for them. Sorrow plays a role in our personal healing, and it brings us closer to God.