TLIC FAMILY. PROVERBS. JUNE 14: HEARTACHE.

THINK TOGETHER.

Is there anything that has made you sad recently?

READ TOGETHER

Proverbs 14:13. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.

A couple days ago we talked about how we can’t really know everything that is inside of another person. Only you really know what is in your heart, no one else does. Solomon is returning to a similar idea here in Proverbs 14:13. Often when people laugh they are just covering up heartache. Grief (sadness) may be deep inside of a person even though they seem joyful.

The truth is that this life, even life with Jesus is both sad and joyful. Until we get to Heaven we will never be fully happy or joyful. Why? Because so many of the things that make us happy here on earth come to an end. And when they do, we are left with grief. Have you ever unwrapped all your Christmas presents and then felt sad because Christmas was now over? Or have you ever finished up a great season of sports and then been sad because it was all over? As Solomon says the end of joy is grief. Only the everlasting joy of Heaven will never end.

That’s why until we all get to Heaven with Jesus we must make sure we know that our friends and family will be both happy and sad. The more we understand this, the more we can love them well and be there for them in both the sad and happy times. And again, don’t forget what the proverb says, often people try to cover up their heartache with laughter. Never assume that someone is fine just because they are laughing. When we love others we need to make sure we know how they are really doing on the inside and not just on the outside.

Because of Jesus we won’t have heartache forever.

With Jesus we can be sad and happy at the same time.

DO SOMETHING TOGETHER

Does your family know anyone who has experienced heartache recently? Why not write encouraging notes to them and pray for them together.

PRAY TOGETHER

Jesus, help me to live honestly with you in both my grief and my joy. And help me to love others enough to know what is going on inside of them so that I can encourage them too. Amen.