What Does the Bible Say About Sadness?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible acknowledges sadness as a natural, human emotion. It doesn’t shy away from it. Instead, it offers comfort and understanding. God’s view on sadness is compassionate. He’s portrayed as close to the brokenhearted. The Bible also highlights how Jesus experienced sadness, showing it’s a part of human life. Importantly, the Bible encourages finding strength and hope in God during tough times, suggesting that sadness can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.

Feeling sad and looking for some biblical insight? The Bible has a lot to say about sadness. Dive in to discover how it’s not just understood, but also how it can lead to hope and growth.

What Does the Bible Say About Sadness?

Sadness is a universal emotion, and the Bible doesn’t ignore it. Instead, it offers a deep and compassionate understanding of this feeling.

Firstly, the Bible acknowledges that sadness is a part of life. It doesn’t label it as sin or a sign of weak faith. Instead, it’s seen as a natural response to life’s challenges. The Bible is full of characters who experienced profound sadness, including David, Job, and even Jesus. This shows that feeling sad is a common human experience.

What’s more, God’s view on sadness is one of deep empathy. The Bible describes God as being close to those who are brokenhearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit. It suggests that during times of sadness, one can find solace and strength in God’s presence.

Jesus’ life also provides insight into dealing with sadness. He expressed sadness and wept openly, for example, when Lazarus died. This shows that experiencing and expressing sadness is allowed and normal.

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But the Bible doesn’t just stop at acknowledging sadness; it also talks about overcoming it. It encourages leaning on God for strength and looking forward to a time when all tears will be wiped away. The New Testament, in particular, is rich with verses offering hope and comfort.

In essence, the Bible’s message on sadness is two-fold: it’s a natural part of life, and it can lead to greater spiritual depth and reliance on God. The scriptures encourage believers not to lose heart but to find hope and strength in their faith.

Bible Verses About Sadness

  1. Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This verse speaks directly to God’s proximity and care for those who are experiencing sadness.
  2. John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.” The shortest verse in the Bible, yet profoundly significant. It shows Jesus experiencing and expressing sadness, validating it as a natural human emotion.
  3. Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” This verse offers a vision of hope and comfort, promising a future without sadness.
  4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” These verses highlight the comforting nature of God during times of sadness and the idea that experiencing God’s comfort enables us to comfort others.
  5. Psalm 30:5 – “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” This verse offers a message of hope, suggesting that sadness is temporary and will be replaced by joy.
  6. Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Part of the Beatitudes, this verse reassures that those who experience sadness will find comfort, possibly suggesting a spiritual or divine comfort.
  7. Psalm 147:3 – “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” This verse portrays God as a healer who cares for the emotionally wounded, offering hope for recovery from sadness.
  8. Isaiah 41:10 – “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.” This verse offers reassurance of God’s presence and support, encouraging those who are sad or afraid.
  9. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” This encourages believers to bring their sadness and worries to God, assuring them of His care and concern.
  10. Psalm 56:8 – “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” This verse poetically expresses the idea that God is aware of our struggles and sadness, portraying a God who is intimately involved in our emotional lives.
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These verses collectively offer a comforting and hopeful perspective on sadness from the Bible. They emphasize God’s closeness, understanding, and the promise of eventual joy and healing, encouraging believers to trust in God’s care and find solace in their faith during times of sadness.