Should a Christian be sad ?

I often wondered about whether or not a Christian should be sad. Surely, we all face challenges and difficulties in life. I have observed loved ones pass away. I've experienced being so hard-up for cash that I have skipped meals or just left certain bills unpaid. I've experienced rejection from people I thought loved me. I know many of you reading this are not unfamiliar with such problems and probably you have had more difficult things happen to you.

How does a Christian deal with these issues and should we get sad ? From my own life experiences and from studying the Bible, I realize that many giants of the faith in fact faced difficult times that grieved them. King David faced his own fears and difficulties. The Apostle Paul felt dejected at a point. Jeremiah seemed to be constantly mourning the sinful state of Israel. 

What that tells me is that these people, these giants of the faith and powerful men of God were also  HUMAN. 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. - Revelation 21:3-5

So as long as we live in this world that is sin-infested there will be tears, there will be death, there will be sorrow and there will be pain. However (this is a very big HOWEVER ; I learned it in the "School of Hard Knocks". You do not want to attend this school. Trust and believe me.), God does not expect us to live in self-pity either. 

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. - Philippians 4:4

Mind you, Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul; a man who faced every kind of rejection and physical persecution. The Bible says we should rejoice. But this is not any kind of rejoicing. The Bible says to rejoice in the Lord. 

You see, I have encountered a lot of Christians who have the plastic smile in church but are not rejoicing in the Lord. I used to one of those Christians and I have to admit, I occasionally catch myself in the practice. God is saying "Yes, I am aware that in this world in you will have trouble and you will have pain but look to ME. FOCUS ON ME AND LET ME FILL YOU WITH REAL JOY."

Can you trust the Lord with whatever is bothering you today ? Can you decide that from today you are going to focus on Him and look at His Word and take His promises as a real lifeline ? 

Today I leave you with the Words of Jesus Christ. I think He sums it up perfectly.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] - John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)

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You are loved and may God richly and mightily bless you.

Gertrude.