Husbands (and wives) are capable of very hurtful sin, causing much grief to the spouse's heart. This chapter pointed out that there are really two different kids of sorrow, godly sorrow and sinful sorrow.
Sinful sorrow fills your heart with sorrow and causes you to be overcome by this emotion. It causes you to be overwhelmed and unable to function.
"Godly sorrow is manageable. It does not overwhelm you. It co-exists within your heart along with the peace of God, the joy of God, and love for God and others."
"The key to overcoming excessive and sinfully overwhelming sorrow is to repent of any specific sinful motives, thoughts or actions and to concentrate on showing love to God and others. In the process, the person's capacity to love grows and their sorrow shrinks back down to a level that is manageable."
"If you are in an especially difficult situation, you must seek your comfort and hope from God. He is to be your refuge and your strength. Let Him talk to you through His word."
The author also points out that developing a grateful heart and attitude will help you feel hope and will keep your sorrow at a manageable level.
Like most of the chapters we've gone through, the steps for overcoming sorrow go against our natural feelings. This is an area that we must deliberately deal with and trust that God is going to see us through.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden , and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light. Matthew 11: 28-30
There is comfort and and refuge in our mighty God.
_____________________________________________________________
Well, we've reached the end of The Excellent Wife book. I have really enjoyed being a part of an online study group...it provides accountability and insight while being flexible. I want to thank Leslie for the tremendous job she did putting this together and for all those who stuck it out these 21 weeks. I've learned so much from reading this book the participating blog posts.
So, who is the excellent wife?
"She loves God with all her heart. She takes the Word of God seriously. She is not ignorant of her biblical responsibilities. She loves, respects, and submits to her husband as God desires. She is growing and learning personally, and she is teaching other women. She loves the role God has given her. She the glory of her husband. She truly glorifies God."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world.