Sadness is an integral part of human existence, a universal emotion experienced in varying degrees by all people. The Bible recognizes this universal truth, offering understanding and guidance about this human condition. This article explores what the Bible says about sadness, shedding light on its purpose, and how to navigate through times of sorrow and melancholy.
Why the Bible Acknowledges Sadness
The Bible acknowledges that sadness is part of human life. While it is a book filled with tales of joy, hope, and love, it doesn’t shy away from the reality of hardships, sorrows, and suffering. From the early chapters in Genesis through to the end of Revelation, accounts of grief, mourning, and sorrow are shared. These poignant narratives shine a clear spotlight on reality- life isn’t always roses and sunshine, and despair can be a part of the journey.
What Purpose Does Sadness Serve According to the Bible?
Contrary to how it may appear at first glance, the Bible doesn’t view sadness as a negative emotion per se. Instead, it illuminates the purpose behind every tear, every pain, and every heartbreak. The Bible portrays sadness as a catalyst for reflection and growth. It can be instrumental in fostering resilience, drawing individuals closer to God, and leading to sincere repentance. The passage through sadness often brings about personal spiritual growth, strengthening one’s faith and relationship with God.
Who Provides Comfort in Times of Sadness in the Bible?
While the Bible acknowledges that sadness is a part of life, it also provides assurances of comfort in such times. God is depicted as the ultimate source of solace, constantly by our side through every moment of desolation. The Bible verses assure that God hears the cries of the heartbroken and promises to be there in every sorrowing moment. It assures that God understands the deepest feelings of every individual, providing comfort and consolation during the darkest hours.
When Does the Bible Say Sadness Will End?
In embracing the reality of sadness, the Bible simultaneously offers a hopeful perspective on the temporal nature of sorrow. It gives assurance that grief and mourning are not boundless. The Bible promises that there will be a time when all tears will be wiped away, and sorrow will be no more, a time when God will usher in joy and peace, replacing every form of pain with everlasting happiness. In this way, while recognising sadness in its raw form, the Bible extends hope and fortification to the disheartened.
How the Bible Guides Us Through Sadness
Verses in the Bible provide both empathy for and guidance through periods of sorrow. It encourages individuals to seek strength in prayer, faith, and trust in God during challenging times. It educates on the importance of supporting others and to ‘mourn with those who mourn’. The Bible, while affirming the reality of sadness, offers wisdom and guidance to turn these challenging periods into moments of spiritual growth and deeper connection with God.
Below is our full list of bible verses on sadness (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Sadness
Psalm 34:18
“18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Related Themes: Frustration Heart Depression Hope
John 14:1
“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Related Themes: Restoration Loneliness Afterlife Worry
Psalm 55:22
“22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Related Themes: Frustration Nervousness Stress Anxiety
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Psalm 18:2
“2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
1 Peter 5:7
“7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Depression Worry Complaining
James 5:13
“13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Related Themes: Music Singing Prayer Hopelessness
John 15:7
“7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Related Themes: Prayer Perseverance Deliverance Wishing
1 Peter 5:10
“10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Related Themes: Suffering Hope Restoration Addiction Anxiety
John 14:18
“18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Depression Adoption
Psalm 48:14
“14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.”
1 John 1:9
“9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Related Themes: Repentance Forgiveness Bitterness Lust Attitude
John 10:29
“29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
John 17:15
“15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Hope Strength Courage Bullying
John 14:16
“16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Loneliness Quitting Loneliness
Psalm 91:1-2
“1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Related Themes: Rest Business Rest Loneliness Homelessness
Deuteronomy 31:8
“8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Depression Anxiety And Depression Quitting Homelessness
Proverbs 15:13-14
“13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.”
Related Themes: Attitude Loneliness Nervousness Emotions Joy
John 20:26-29
“26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Related Themes: Glorification
Isaiah 53:4
“4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”
Related Themes: Suffering Healing Health Loneliness
Matthew 5:44
“44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Related Themes: Persecution Bitterness Discrimination Bullying Forgiveness
John 15:1-7
“1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Related Themes: Letting Go Surrender Salvation Fruit Harvest
John 14:2
“2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Related Themes: Afterlife Holy Spirit Life
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Romans 8:34
“34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Related Themes: Resurrection Condemnation
Luke 6:27
“27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
Related Themes: Forgiveness Enemies Morality Prayer Morals
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
James 4:7
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Addiction Satan Surrender
John 17:9
“9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.”
