Scripture--2 Corinthians 7-2 Corinthians 9
Observation: This part stuck out to me today: "You felt godly sadness so that no one was harmed by us in any way. 10 Godly sadness produces a changed heart and life that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets, but sorrow under the influence of the world produces death. 11 Look at what this very experience of godly sadness has produced in you: such enthusiasm, what a desire to clear yourselves of blame, such indignation, what fear, what purpose, such concern, what justice! In everything you have shown yourselves to be innocent in the matter." Now I'm sure the recent days in the hospital with very sick people have influenced this affecting me, but goodness the thought of "godly sadness" is powerful. It reminded me of one of my favorite verses. Romans 8:28, "For we know that God works for good for all who love the Lord." That even in the midst of sadness, God is there.
Application: I have no idea what you are going through. I don't know where you are in your walk or in your life. But I have to imagine at some point you have had sorrows. Some were "sorrows of the world". The ones that produce death. I know those sorrows. But, some of them were "godly sorrows". Either way, take heart. For God is with you. God is ready to use those sorrows for your good. To change you. Are you ready to be changed? Give those sorrows to God, for God can do all things!!
Prayer: God, we praise you in our storms. We praise you from our sorrows. We believe that you can do all things. Let us live into that wisdom, and love you more. Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
August 1--2 Corinthians 10 -2 Corinthians 12
August 2--2 Corinthians 13
August 3--Galatians 1-Galatians 3
August 4--Galatians 4-Galatians 6
August 5--Ephesians 1-Ephesians 3
August 6--Ephesians 4-Ephesians 6
August 7--Philippians 1-Philippians 3
August 8--Philippians 4-Colossians 2
2 comments:
There are many sad things in life that we sorrow about. Knowing that God is there with us and seeing God's people there with us helps us through these sad times.
But I think Paul was talking to the people of Corinth about feeling sorrow for their sins that Paul had pointed out in his previous letter. When we are sad about things we have done, about our bad behavior, our sins, we can turn back to God and through Jesus be saved. That sorrow is good, good for us. The joy comes from having the faith to know that God forgives our sins, so we don't have to live in that sorrow. That is the sorrow we need in order to see our mistakes, our sins.
Those verses in Chapter 7 reminded me of the description of a guilty conscience that we often have after making a bad choice. If only we would just pause a moment to listen to the Spirit before sinning. But it is nice to know that we can still be "exceedingly joyful in our tribulations" because we are FORGIVEN!
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