Sad comes when we experience loss. This can stem from a physical loss from another human being (death, divorce, geographical move), loss of job/income, loss of home, etc. It can also stem from losses that are harder to pinpoint, but come when expectations aren’t met. For example, someone who has long desired to be a mother who has been unable to get pregnant may experience loss: a loss of a child they want, but cannot have.

What sad needs: comfort.

When we are experience sadness, which can also be expressed as: grieved, depressed, bummed, tearful, etc., what we really need is to be comforted by someone or something.

Experiencing sadness is a normal part of life. In fact, we can count on it happening.

It’s what we do with the sad when it comes that counts. Do we feel it and seek comfort? Or do we run from it?

On the disordered end of the scale, aside from normal experiences that cause sadness, we have depression.

Depression is hope deferred. It is a white flag of surrender, yielding and laying down to a wave of sadness. It is the inability to receive comfort in that time. It affects and inhibits many from living their true potential.

Scripture

John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Being sad on purpose when you need to heal is allowing comfort to hold you. It is allowing yourself to feel your sad, and then to receive that comfort into every facet of your being-emotionally, physically and mentally. Eventually you are able to accept your pain, and move on with a sense of hope.

The Bible tells us: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:8

Contentedness follows.

When we are reminded that God has our needs and even wants covered, our joy returns. But we must stop and heal when we feel pain.

What does that look like for you?

Here is a list of things that we can gain comfort from:

Our faith in Jesus Christ; meditation on His word (sword of the spirit-fighting the spirit of depression with the power of God’s words)
Our interpersonal relationships-being able to lay our burdens on our loved ones and be heard and accepted in return
Receiving help when we just can’t seem to go on: i.e. therapy, psychotropic medications, allowing friends and family to step in and help with day-to-day responsibilities
Having a safe place to feel, free of judgment

Where will you seek comfort when you feel sad?

Authored by Jessica Jeans & Lauren Preusz

Content inspired by Linda Tonnesen and Carl Barry, founder of Shadow Work.

Emotion 3: Sad

Scripture