Transforming Tears

II Corinthians 7:10-11a  For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold, what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation of yourselves, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong!

Why do we cry? 

We miss someone we no longer have around us.

 We feel physical pain. 

Our feelings get stepped on.

 Dissapointment.

 Regret. 

Anger.

What kind of sorrow is "Godly sorrow"?

We long for the connection with the Lord that became short circuited. Dead. 

When our zapped strength, trying to walk this life on our own, finally recognizes our own disregard for the True power source-- that is Godly sorrow. 

It's a place God wants us to long for, but that place is our choice. In the validation of our purpose for His glory,  the longing for a restored communion,  in the recognition of our unworthiness, through Jesus Christ, the son of God, who took on our sinful nature, tears fall. An understanding of the depths of His forgiveness, all of this and more brings Godly sorrow for a moment, followed by an eternity of hope. 

It's the formation of trust in The God who is bigger than all the tears we cry.  It is a desire to want more of Him.  This is a faith that relys on God Himself. Our humbleness before God does a work within us. 

It's letting go and becoming transformed into His image.

It is an indwelling of the Holy Spirit which leads one into His righteousness.

Godly sorrow is as simple as a personal, authentic  prayer before God each day. Because we have been justified through this faith, this Godly sorrow in our hearts, produces in us the desire to want more of God, to commune with Him in a supernatural way.

Do you want more than just OK?

Looking forward to worship with each other and fellowship, His creation creates a longing for the promised beauty of Heaven and a deep desire to share His Love.  I hunger for the deepness of His Word. 

Some things are uncomfortable, for they scrape against the God skin we've grown. We are salt and light, a city set on a hill. Our "righteousness" need only be enough to flavor with His intent; God does the work. Our light brightens in the shadows of a world growing darker by the minute, God brings the lost into the fullness of that Light. Not of this World, but doing good while present, that becomes an eternal perspective. Godly sorrow's transforming tears quench a heart into His eternal peace. 

I am sorrowful to God,  because I am wretched. In that sorrow, I received the joy of my salvation, Amazing Grace. I want more than just OK, more than slipping through the Pearly Gates and releasing a sigh of relief.

Father, thank you for reaching into my heart and making me sorrowful to the point where I came to ask You to replace it with your Spirit. May I live all my days aware of my need for You every minute and prayerfully, never taking for granted the joy you produce in me because of the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. I am only righteous because of Your Redemption, so Lord, take the  "self" out of self-righteous. Replace it with humbleness and love for the earthly sorrowful. Bless me with Your words to continue speak as salt and light. Amen.

                                            Switchfoot: More than Fine.