By Brook Noel // Spiritual // EEW Magazine Online

I sat alone in my dimly lit apartment, the weight of sadness heavy upon my shoulders. Not only had I recently been laid off from my job, my source of stability, but I had also lost my dear grandmother, leaving a void in my heart that seemed impossible to fill. It felt as if the world was crumbling around me, and I was lost in a sea of despair.

Seeking comfort, I searched for something that could provide even a glimmer of hope in these dark times. And then I remembered the words of one of my grandmother’s favorite Bible verses, Psalm 42:11, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

I leaned forward and grabbed my Bible from my coffee table, the pages worn from previous readings, and allowed the words to wash over me. Despite the pain I was feeling, these timeless verses I absorbed spoke directly to my weary soul. They reminded me that I wasn't alone in my struggles, that countless others had endured hardships and found peace in the same words I was reading.

As I immersed myself in the warm embrace of Scripture, a sense of solace began to settle within me. The overwhelming sadness didn't vanish instantly, but it was slowly intertwined with a newfound hope. I realized that amidst the trials and tribulations of life, there was strength to be found in holding onto faith.

After some weeks of grieving passed, with renewed determination, I dusted off my resume, eager to embark on a new journey towards finding employment. Every rejection stung, but the words of Psalm 42:11 echoed in my mind, urging me to remain steadfast in my hope. I kept believing that God had a plan for my life, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. The job search was difficult, but I clung to the assurances found in Scripture. And just when I felt myself on the verge of giving up, a door of opportunity opened. A company recognized my potential, and I was offered a position that exceeded my expectations. The joy I felt in that moment was indescribable, and I knew that my faith had carried me through the darkest times!

Reflecting upon my journey, I am grateful for the trials that I have endured. They have deepened my faith and strengthened my resolve.

Life may be full of challenges for you right now, and it's not uncommon to experience moments of sadness and despair in such times. But when you turn to the beautiful teachings of the Bible for inspiration and guidance, there are immense benefits. EEW Magazine Online is listing 5 of them:

1. You Reflect on God's Love.

One way to lift your spirits is by reminding yourself of God's unfailing mercy, grace, and love. Take some time to reflect on His past blessings, those moments when He has been by your side during difficult times. This will help renew your faith in His caring nature and bring comfort in your moments of sadness.

2. You Surround Yourself with Positive Examples.

Hebrews 12:1 says we are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” to the life of faith that can encourage us on our journey. When you open the Bible, you fill your heart, mind, and atmosphere with positive examples of faith to uplift and motivate you. While doing things like joining a community group and tapping into a healthy support system are necessary and helpful, don’t forget the Word of God as a valuable source of strength and encouragement during trying times.

3. You Find Guidance for your Prayers.

When you’re feeling down, turn to prayer as a source of solace and guidance. One of the most effective strategies to counter sadness and discouragement is praying Scripture. The Bible is full of promises and relevant encouragement for every situation! When you pray, you’re sharing your feelings of sadness with God, asking for His help in overcoming whatever challenges you may be facing. Praying His Word and trusting in His purpose for your life brings a deep sense of peace that transcends all understanding.

4. You Find Inspiration and Motivation in Scriptures.

When Psalm 42:11 encouraged my heart in my time of sadness, I opened the Bible and discovered numerous other passages that offer wisdom and encouragement when dealing with sorrow. Some examples are Psalm 30:11-12, Isaiah 41:10, and 1 Peter 5:7. When you’re going through hard times, devoting time each day to study and meditate on uplifting verses will strengthen your faith, provide comfort, inspire hope, and motivate you to keep going in difficult circumstances.

5. You are Challenged to Engage in Acts of Kindness.

There’s something transformative about shifting our focus from ourselves to the needs of others. The Bible is a great resource to help you do that, as it constantly points to service as a big part of fulfilling God’s purpose. Engaging in selfless acts of kindness can be an effective way to lift our spirits and find fulfillment. Helping someone in need, volunteering for a good cause, or even offering a simple word of encouragement can make all the difference – both for you and the recipient.

Sadness is an inevitable part of life, but we don't have to face it alone. By delving into Scripture, you can uplift your spirits during even the most challenging moments and be reminded that you are never alone in your journey, for God walks by your side every step of the way.