Softening Sorrow
“What the world sees as broken, He shapes into vessels of comfort.”
Devotional Reflection on 2 Corinthians 7:6 | March 27
Inspired by “Abide Above” | Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s entry from Abide Above invites us into one of the deepest mysteries of the Christian life: how God softens sorrow into something beautiful and eternally meaningful. The writer is not romanticizing pain, but revealing that sorrow, when yielded to God, becomes a divine tool—not to punish us, but to prepare us. The sorrow of the world leads only to despair, but godly sorrow opens the door to transformation, depth, and the ability to walk with others in their pain.
We’re reminded that Jesus was a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief—not because He sinned, but because He loved. Sorrow broadens the soul to hold more compassion. It dismantles self-sufficiency and enlarges our capacity to truly care, comfort, and serve from a place of authenticity and empathy. The comfort we receive from God in our own tribulation becomes the very thing we offer to others. Without sorrow, we remain shallow sympathizers. With it, we become vessels of mercy.
What’s more, the devotional shifts our gaze forward. This life’s afflictions are not final chapters; there is coming a day when every tear will be wiped away—not by circumstance, but by the hand of our God. Would we really wish to have nothing for Him to wipe away? Every tear now becomes a sacred seed, destined to blossom into joy at His appearing.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture:
I am the Comforter who abides in you. I do not stand far off when sorrow enters. I meet you there. I am the God who comforts the downcast. In every ache, I draw near—not merely to console, but to shape you into the image of My Son.
You have not suffered in vain. Your sorrow, surrendered to Me, works repentance that leaves no regret, while the sorrow born from the world’s ways brings only death. I am using what was meant for harm to deepen your soul. I enlarge your capacity through what you thought would break you. You are being prepared not only for endurance, but for ministry—for mercy.
The comfort you receive from Me now becomes a fountain for others. I cradle you in tribulation so that you might carry My comfort to those in any trouble. Your affliction is not a barrier to usefulness; it is the bridge. I let My Son drink the bitter cup of sorrow, and He did not resist it—for in doing so, He became a faithful High Priest, touched with the feelings of your infirmities.
Even now, I am storing your tears. Not one is wasted. There is a day coming when you will see clearly. On that day, I Myself will wipe away all tears from your eyes. I am not ashamed of your tears. They are the evidence that you have loved, trusted, and grieved in a fallen world. One day, you will say, “It was worth it.”
Let Me comfort you now, as only I can. Rest in My arms. I am near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit. You are never alone in sorrow—I am in the midst of it with you, turning ashes into beauty, mourning into joy, and weakness into a testimony of grace.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 7:6, 7:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Hebrews 4:15; Revelation 7:17; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 61:3
Prayer:
Father, thank You that sorrow is never wasted in Your hands. I rest in the truth that You are the God who comforts the downcast and draws near when tears fall. I trust that every sorrow You’ve allowed in my life has been lovingly sifted through Your will and repurposed for my good and the good of others. I thank You that I don’t have to pretend to be unshaken—because You’re the One who steadies me. I praise You that what the enemy meant for pain, You are using to deepen my love, my empathy, and my fellowship with You. I rejoice that one day, You Yourself will wipe away every tear from my eyes—not to erase the sorrow, but to fulfill the joy that has been waiting just beyond it. You are faithful, and I trust You with every ache and every comfort.