Into the Light and out of the Darkness

All of us at one time or another have suffered from sorrow to some degree. Often sorrow comes into our lives as a result of our own poor decisions or the poor decisions of those we love. Many times, sorrow comes because of rejection, tragedy, or loss. I also acknowledge that there are those among us who suffer from clinical depression which lays a burden of sorrow on the shoulders of those who suffer from it despite living what may be otherwise a fulfilling life. In some cases, clinical depression combines with other sources of sorrow, such as the loss of employment, resulting in, what can be in some instances, a crushing and debilitating handicap.

though we all sorrow, the suffering we go through is unique. Occasionally some are fortunate enough to find someone whose experiences align with their own enough to, in some degree, relate to what they are going through individually. A friend can be a great source of comfort or support during trying times. I, however, lament when I hear someone declare the words “I know how you feel” or “I know exactly what you are going through”. A friend, no matter how well intentioned, can ever say those words accurately. In times of sorrow I have turned to those around me to draw strength and encouragement to deal with my own hardships but I have always felt a degree of separation between myself and every other person on this planet. This feeling of separation can lead to a sense of loneliness, which can intensify our suffering.

Jesus Christ did not just suffer for our sins he suffered all of our pains and sorrows. In other words, Christ did not only suffer so that we might through his suffering become clean but he also suffered the precise pain we feel as we feel it. He did this willingly and under no duress. When Christ was in the garden of gethsemane he said “father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me never the less not my will but thine be done” he submitted to the will of his father out of a pure love for all of those who he would suffer for. This epic sacrifice qualifies Christ to both heal our hearts and to be recognized as the only being from ourselves who know from experience the exactness of our individual suffering.

I declare that if we have faith in Christ and live by his teachings that we will find relief from our sorrow. Sometimes that relief comes in the form of having our sorrow taken from us but there are times when that relief comes in the form additional internal strength that allows us to cope with are sorrow far beyond what we would ever have been able to on our own. Whatever form the help from your father in heaven will come, it will come. Have patience, pray in faith, and never abandon hope! No matter what dark times we may find ourselves in, Christ is ready and able to lead us into the light. You are not alone, you are loved, and one day you can be happy because of him.