BY: Sir Godfrey Gregg

Day Twenty-Four: Gratitude in Sorrow

Scripture: John 11:35, 41–42

“Jesus wept… So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.'”

Reflection:

John 11 contains one of the most profound scenes in all of Scripture. Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus, His friend. He sees the grief of Mary and Martha. He sees the sorrow of the mourners. And He weeps.

The Creator of the universe, the Word made flesh, the One who would raise Lazarus from the dead—He weeps.  He does not stand aloof from human sorrow.  He enters into it.  He feels it deeply.  His tears are real.

But then, even in the midst of His grief, Jesus gives thanks.  He thanks the Father for hearing Him.  He thanks the Father for the answer that is coming. He thanks the Father before the miracle happens.

This is a stunning example of gratitude in sorrow. Jesus did not wait until Lazarus was raised to give thanks. He gave thanks in the midst of the grief, before the victory, while the tears were still wet on His face.

This teaches us that sorrow and gratitude can coexist.   We do not have to choose between them.  We can weep and give thanks at the same time.   We can grieve and trust.  We can mourn and worship.

Consider how this applies to your own sorrow.   What are you grieving today? What loss are you mourning? What pain are you carrying? You do not have to suppress your sorrow to give thanks. You can bring both to God—your tears and your gratitude, your grief and your trust.

Journal: What sorrow are you carrying, and how might gratitude be possible within it? How does Jesus’ example encourage you?

Practice: Bring your sorrow to God and, even in the midst of it, thank Him for His presence.  Let tears and thanksgiving flow together.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for entering into our sorrow. Thank You for weeping with those who weep. In the midst of my grief, help me to give thanks—not for the sorrow itself, but for Your presence in it. Let gratitude and grief coexist in my heart. In Your name, Amen.