TOO MUCH SORROW

2 CORINTHIANS 2:1 & 7 NKJ 
But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 
7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.  

I like what Paul says in this first verse.  I determined this within myself.  I would call this phrase a heart decision.  It was not made without thought, but then once a course of action was decided upon, it was an inward determination.   

Paul also talks to the church about a man the church had to deal with.  He had taken his father's wife (stepmother) and was open about it.   

The church cut off fellowship with this man, and now he had repented.  Paul was encouraging the church to reach out and forgive him and comfort him.  Why?  So the man would not be swallowed up with too much sorrow.  Sorrow has the ability to work some really bad things in our lives.  Paul would later contrast godly sorrow, which is repentance before God, with the sorrow of the world which produces death.  (2 Cor. 7:10) 

Even though this man had done something very wrong, he had repented, and Paul was concerned about him.  Sorrow is a part of life, but too much sorrow can be toxic.   

APPLICATION 

No one should ever convey the idea that Christians do not experience sorrow.  When a loved one passes on or there is a dissolving of a relationship, the loss of a job, destruction of a home - all of these are sorrowful situations.  But, for a believer, it is vital that the sorrow does not reach the level that it engulfs our lives.  Sorrow was never intended to be the biggest thing in our lives nor the longest lasting.   

When sorrow is too much, it can lead to depression or bitterness.  And there's another challenge.  If the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10), then the sorrow of the world weakens us.   

Too much sorrow positions us poorly to handle the ebb and flow of everyday life.  We need all the strength we can get.   

So, if sorrow has had too much of a place in your life, determine within yourself to talk to the Lord about moving past this sorrow.  He can help you and comfort you, and you won't be swallowed up.   

PRAYER 

Thank you, Father, for Your joy and Your comfort.  Help me move past the barrier of sorrow that is slowing me down.