In a mysterious work of the unseen Holy Spirit…sorrow somehow begins to morph into an abiding hope. The tears that God is bottling somehow accumulate into a holy preparation by which we are being made ready for that tearless life: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Some pains we never forget. They etch themselves deep into the soul—moments of loss, betrayal, longing, regret, or disappointment that can still draw tears no matter how many years have passed. Sadness is a stubborn and unwelcome companion. At times, it is the bitter fruit of our own sin or the sinful response of a heart overcome by grief; at others, it is the righteous sorrow of a soul groaning “as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons” (Rom. 8:23). Sometimes it rises suddenly, like a storm breaking without warning; other times we hear it coming from afar, its heavy footsteps echoing long before it arrives. In some seasons, it lingers unbearably; in others, it dissipates without explanation. Yet its departure only provokes the question of when—and how—it will return. And still, Scripture assures us that sadness’s grip will not last forever. Though its pain is real, its presence is temporary, its power fleeting, its purpose preparatory—and its passing certain.

On their return to Antioch during the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas revisited the newly formed churches, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Years later, writing to some of the same Christians, Peter echoes the same truth:

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6–7)

Paul and Peter know something of the way that keeping in mind the end of sadness strengthens us to endure in the midst of great sadness. God sets before our eyes the glories of our future blessedness before we attain it so that we might “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). While our passage to glory is secure, it is nevertheless full of sadness. Our destination, however, knows nothing of the tears and pain of sadness that are so familiar to us now.

Read More