A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance

Open Your Bible

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Matthew 5:4, John 16:33, John 16:20, 1 Peter 1:6-9, Psalm 30:1-12

When I was fourteen years old, I tried out for our school production of West Side Story, even though I’d never heard of the musical, and furthermore, hadn’t spent much time on stage. To my surprise and delight, I was cast as the only female member of the Jets, a part with a good amount of stage time and even a handful of lines! My sister, a devoted member of the Thespian Society with hopes of being cast as Anita or Maria, found her name on the cast list under “Chorus.” 

We both ran to tell our mom (who conveniently worked on campus) our surprising news. Just missing each other in the hallway, I arrived first to share my delight, and my sister soon followed to express her devastation. To this day my mom talks about the unique experience of jumping for joy with one daughter while wiping the tears of the other. 

Joy and sorrow sometimes take turns, but often they awkwardly elbow each other out for the same heart and head space. These emotions are occasionally fleeting, but other times they can come in full, lasting seasons of grief or celebration. So how do we steward the tension of the two, both in our own lives and in the lives of those we love? The writer of Ecclesiastes wrestled with this very reality, concluding: “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4).

We are complex human beings in a complicated world, and in this world we will have occasion to both mourn and dance—sometimes at the very same time. Friends, this invitation to search the scriptures for wisdom is one of my favorites, and it is one worth accepting. I’m so glad you’re here! Let’s learn from the psalmists, the patriarchs, the early Church letter writers, and from Jesus Himself how to weep well before the Lord and how to wipe our tears and raise our hands in praise. 

Until all things are made new, read on!

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185 thoughts on "A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance"

  1. Tamara Roberts says:

    Good stuff ❤️

  2. Stephanie Brown says:

    Ecclesiastes 3:9 – What gain has a worker from his toil?

    I am in a season of giving all of my life to God, especially my work life. I have made my own decisions of where to work in the past, but now I am praying for God’s leadership before I do anything.

    We can toil in our own strength, but it will never compare to the life that God has for us. Praise God for His patience while we learn this lesson!

    1. Vanessa Parker says:

      Amen

  3. Anna Adams says:

    There is a time to weep and I time to mourn, and our father sees us in these times. God loves us despite our worst seasons.

  4. Angela Wiegman says:

    So encouraging!

  5. Laurie Lee says:

    I have had so many griefs and joys in the past year and a half. Loss of family members, loss of health, celebrations of my daughters, sweet moments with my husband of 25 years, financial struggles, the faithfulness of God to provide… This is life. The juxtaposition of suffering and celebration. And He is with us through it all.

    1. Lori Sloan says:

      ❤️

  6. Stacy Jeffries says:

    Looking forward to this study

  7. Secilia Tidwell says:

    Loved reading that! God guided me here for sure!

  8. Wanda Woehlert says:

    ❤️

  9. Hope S says:

    Boy did I need that at the very moment that I opened the app. God always knows when to show up in the most tangible ways.

  10. Sophie M says:

    Hi all! I have been away from SRT studies for some time. I am back to some devotional time, and come with a request. My daughter Millie is a heart warrior who had open heart surgery at week old. By Gods grace she has done so well since, however they have found some issues recently. We go in on Thursday for further imaging. I am asking you lift her up in prayer, that her heart would be healed! Thank you!!!

    1. Mandi says:

      Praying for Millie. How was the imaging?

    2. Erin Webb says:

      Praying hard for you both!!!

  11. crissy hunter says:

    Looking forward to this study with you shes

  12. Sierra Leads says:

    Praying for all of you ♥️

  13. Michelle Edmondson says:

    I have a daughter graduating high school this week. This study is timely. I grief that her childhood is over but am joyful for what her future holds.

  14. Karen Breaux says:

    ❤️✝️

  15. Kacie Long says:

    Lord, help me to navigate life’s blessings and burdens that sometimes happen at the same time. Give me wisdom, a godly perspective, grace and joy in all circumstances

  16. Laura Davis says:

    I needed this word today!! My nephew died back in November by suicide and the grief has been so intense. This I know study is sent right from the Lord for my weary heart.

    1. Mary says:

      Oh my gosh. I’m sorry. Praying for you and your family this morning; that God would heal and bring such comfort and strength.

    2. Wendy B says:

      I’m so sorry that you and your family are walking thru such a heartbreaking loss

  17. Kimberly Z says:

    You have turned mourning into dancing. Wow is that ever true. For those of you who don’t know 4 years ago I sat with you sisters praying for my dad as he tried to end his life. He was in critical condition and to be honest we all felt like we were in critical condition ourselves. We went through every single emotion being completly grateful he was alive and completely devastated he had done that to us. Four years later we are celebrating my engagement and his survival. Wow if that doesn’t describe the power of God I don’t know what does. Thanks for all of you who sat and prayed with me in such a dark time in our lives.

    GINA C. I am so sorry for the loss of your fiancé. I’m praying for you in this time. I know our savior is with you even though I’m sure this heartache feels deep.

    1. Mary says:

      Hallelujah! Amen! Thank you for sharing!

    2. heidi says:

      such an amazing testimony of God’s goodness and power beyond anything we could imagine!! Love the update!! :)
      –AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! ❤️ SO Exciting!!! :) :)

    3. Rhonda J. says:

      I sure remember Kimberly, and I am thrilled to be celebrating alongside with you!

    4. Wendy B says:

      what a testimony of praise! ❤️

    5. Aussie Grammie says:

      I rember that time as well and the weeks following. How amazingly our God works! Trust and obey; wait patiently. Such a time of celebration for you and your family and a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Blessings. ❤️

  18. Gina Conti says:

    I lost my fiancé this past month unexpectedly and it has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through and am continuing to try to get thru. This reading plan could not have been more perfect timing wise. I am leaning into my faith during this time and to learn the gift of lament and go through that exercise tonight was comforting and made it feel a bit less heavy. Bless everyone going through something – my prayers are with you.

    1. Victoria E says:

      I am so sorry for your loss Gina. I am praying for you.

      1. Gina C says:

        Thank you for your prayers Victoria ❤️

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      Gina, my heart goes out to you, I’m so sorry. Prayers.

      1. Gina C says:

        Thank you for your prayers Rhonda ❤️

    3. Wendy B says:

      Gina, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s great comfort and strength be near.

      1. Gina C says:

        Thank you for your prayers Wendy ❤️

    4. Candice Johnson says:

      Gina C., I went through the same thing 8 years ago when I was 26 years old, and I thought I would die for the pain. I wanted to die. You will survive this and God WILL redeem it. I had to hit bottom in questioning His goodness before choosing to recognize that He is the only way to life. Praying for you today ❤️

      1. Gina C says:

        It’s so awful. The pain is like nothing I have ever experienced. Thank you for your prayers ❤️

  19. Alayna P. says:

    I noticed that Scripture never pretends suffering isn’t real, but it also keeps pointing toward hope and restoration ❤️

  20. Joanna Shaw says:

    Praying for this season, god be glorified

  21. Karen Higgs says:

    Looking forward to journeying thru this study, my first, with y’all. Learning to live in the in-between currently and thankful for His promises thru it all.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Welcome!

  22. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I am excited to start his study!! I have heard so many good things about it. I am so glad that we have a God who is able to enter into all our emotions woth us.

  23. Margaret W. says:

    I’m so glad to be back for this study, sisters. I took a couple of breaks this spring to work on a Revelation study that was recommended when we read that book together last fall, as I had done Acts only a couple of years ago when traveling in Turkey to the land of the 7 churches of Revelation. But aside from our Lenten study, I have missed you all so much this winter and spring season! It’s good to be back. One of my daughters came home from college Friday, and another is moving back in today for probably at least a couple of years. After a year of living alone, it’s going to be another re-adjustment. I’m excited, but change is still challenging. I’m hoping this will draw us closer together and give her a chance to take another look at her childhood faith. Please pray that God would grant me the grace to be a loving witness to her.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Hi, Margaret; it’s great to have you back! You have some exciting changes/challenges ahead, for sure, but I know you will lean on God and you know you can call on us! ❤

  24. Jordan Drennan says:

    Hey everyone! What a timely Bible study for me right now. We buried my Grandmother today and I although grieving because we will miss her so much, also rejoice that she is well and with Jesus!!! Thank you all so, so much for your prayers x

    1. Tina says:

      Jordan, continued prayers for you to reflect on the joy your grandma gave and left, its always in our hearts, even when the skies are gray and the heart is sad.. there is joy♥️❤️

    2. Amy Nero says:

      This hits me the SAME way. My grandmother whom I was very close to passed away a week and a half ago. Feeling the sadness of missing her presence and rejoicing that she is with Jesus the same time.

  25. pey s says:

    This study could not have come at a more appropriate time. This Mother’s Day has been especially rough, as I lost my mother three years ago. I’ve gotten pretty good at the mourning part, but the dancing.. not so much. Feeling hopeful with this study though ❤️

    1. Tina says:

      Hopeful this study and the love shown here will help in your healing and that joy will be found..♥️❤️

    2. Sandi Mcaviney says:

      I lost my mom on mother’s day to a few years back

      1. Gina Conti says:

        So sorry Sandy – I hope going through this can bring you some comfort

  26. Traci Gendron says:

    I was at an appointment this morning talking about how I feel I’m coming out of the stage of grief. I have had my share. But I am a testament that there will be joy on the other side. I can feel it coming.

    1. Tina says:

      ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ joy sure does come in the morning dearest Traci..
      Its coming!!!♥️❤️

  27. Krystal Strouth says:

    I am so excited for this bible study sometimes we don’t remember that there is a time for everything and we should not rush but enjoy the here and now.

    1. Tina says:

      ♥️❤️

  28. Emily B says:

    So excited to dive into this. This is my first study and I pray it will help me dive deeper into my relationship with Jesus, and will help me seek comfort in Him above all earthly desires.

    1. Jordan Drennan says:

      So excited for you doing your first study!!!

    2. Tina says:

      Welcome Emily..❤️

  29. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

    This is a study that will touch us all, I’m sure. Grief does come to all, at different times and in different ways. I’m so thankful for God’s Presence, comfort and strength during each time of grief in my life. And that He brings comfort whenever that grief revisits, as it does. No matter how long ago the loss occurred, there are times my heart breaks anew just thinking about it. And God is there with comfort and joy every single time. Praying that each of us feels His comfort and joy today.

    1. Tina says:

      Teresa, isnt He just! Ever present in our grief and sadness..❤️

  30. heidi says:

    John 16:33 really does say it all, doesn’t it? in ME you WILL have peace. In this world, you WILL have suffering — but don’t allow one to negate the other. Don’t ignore your suffering, that leads to infected emotional wounds, and don”t ignore God’s compassion and peace, that leads to bitterness and emotional cancer. I’m repeating myself from other posts, I know, but it’s a fact that Christian or not, suffering will be experienced. Why ignore the supernatural power God’s grace brings us to experience that suffering WITH HOPE? It’s like standing in a grocery store with endless cash but choosing to starve to death! Hope, in Hebrew definition, is pictured as cords wrapped together allowing the believer to have a strength that makes enduring possible and joy within reach. I try so often to gain my peace from temporary, synthetic sources, when God’s made it crystal clear where my peace will be found–in HIM. alone. It’s being in his word, his sharing in my tears, crying hard right along with me, his deep compassion to comfort with his own heart. I’m deeply empathetic to so many of you with various sources for your hurt and unrest right now.

    In that mindset I wanted to recommend a ministry website that can be so encouraging. It’s SACRED STORY MINISTRIES — you’ll see a tab to the right, “Story Library”.
    I share this info for two reasons–
    1: some of you need to read what other loved women of God have experienced to know not only are you NOT ALONE, but the tragedy you have experienced does not get the final word in your story;
    2: some of you need to share your experience. It’s not only cathartic for our own souls, but it’s living out the redemption of God in your story for others to see there is hope. I’LL GO FIRST!! :) I submitted my story to them about 2 years ago that they published (if you search “Heidi worship” in the “search our site” bar, it comes up 1st).

    Our suffering is experienced in vain when we do it alone. We are his hands and feet on this earth to come alongside and grieve with, comfort, lift up one another until the day every tear is wiped away–I hope this community continues to do that for one another :) :)

    also–if you are competitive like me– I really enjoy the fact that the enemy loses yet another battle every time we choose to praise in the midst of our anguish. he’s really such a loser…

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      Thank you Heidi. I’m going to look up this site.

      1. heidi says:

        oh yay!!! And they will give you the tools to help you write your story if you are not confident of how to do that :) I found them while in a writing for publication class in seminary. I wrote my story to complete a grade, however it was still a little while before I actually submitted it. It felt to tender to share, but sharing doesn’t remove the tenderness of our story, it allows others to be tender in it as well. :) Hope you find someting helpful :)

        1. heidi says:

          TOO* tender… smh.. that has to be one of my biggest annoyances lol :) :)

    2. Mercy says:

      Thank you Heidi. Love your enthusiasm. Amen to “suffering with HOPE”.

    3. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, I have been encouraging all my groups to write down their stories (for someone will read it one day and that could share Jesus in that moment to your family!) and to know how to tell their testimonies so they are ready to share anytime anyplace! But you have to break it down in a quick easy way…Your mess, your Messiah moment, and your Message!! I loved doing the book My Story Your Glory by Matthew West with my small group. It was good to help them remember areas in their lives where Jesus was there, and how to write about it!
      Your so right about it all being in vain if we don’t share our sufferings and hard times! Really…ALL the ways Jesus is with us throughout our life!

      1. Heidi says:

        I love this!!! I’d really encourage you to share the site with the ppl you know have testimonies to share. They have a guide to help you formulate it so that it is efficient AND complete. It’s such a beautiful way to document for others what God has already done and wants to do again and again!! :) ❤️

  31. Raquel MacDonald says:

    Grateful to be here learning how to walk the line of mourning and dancing!

    1. Tina says:

      Raquel..looking forward to walking with you through this study.❤️

  32. Dr Jamie Shockley Owens says:

    Looking forward to this study. I hope it helps me to process grief over the loss of my dad.

    1. Emily B says:

      I also am grieving the loss of my dad. Sending you love, and praying this study will guide you toward finding deeper solace in the Ultimate Comforter.

      1. Melanie Burzynski says:

        I too am grieving the loss of my dad. May 8 marked one year.

    2. Tina says:

      Dr Jamie, Melanie and Emily, i am sorry for your respective losses.. Daddy’s are so very special.. sending hugs across the pond to each of you.❤️❤️❤️

  33. Mia Faith says:

    I first did this study years ago after my son died by suicide. As you can imagine I was devastated. He was a successful attorney, a father who loved his girls more than anything, a good friend, and a devoted son- most importantly, he loved Jesus. How could this happen? This study was so timely as I was just beginning to understand lament. I’ll be honest here… lament … the ability to have honest conversations with God, saved my life. I don’t believe I would have made it through that time without the gift of lament. Pouring my heart out to God allowed (allows) me to release the deep pain in my broken heart. Now, here I am again, having lost my precious husband. I am so thankful for this study!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Powerful.

      I was thinking this was a repeat. I remember you talking about your grief and your loss. And the podcast you were on was a powerful testimony. And as we were here when your husband went missing. Thank you for showing up Sister.

    2. heidi says:

      Mia I know it’s been a couple of years since you asked for prayer over the loss of your husband, but time places distance between us and a hurtful event, it does not heal our wounds. I can’t imagine you need prayer any less today than you did then. I hope you have found healing, even in part, as you have walked and processed all of your grief. I’m so sorry that the pain of suicide has accosted your family and I am praying for you to experience an new facet of God’s joy in your day today… I pray you will feel his comforting presence deep in your soul in a way you haven’t yet. ❤️ We never get to the end of God’s gifts, there is always more of him and what he lovingly pours out for us. Praying for you to daily experience just one more gift of his nearness to you.

    3. Catherine McVey says:

      I remember this so well Mia Faith. My heart was breaking for you. I didn’t understand how such tragedy could happen to one person twice. But you didn’t lose faith. So glad you are here for this study. You are such a witness for strong faith during tragedy. Hugs! ❤️

    4. Tina says:

      Mia Gaith, you are never far from my thoughts.

      1. Tina says:

        Faith..I hope your heart will know peace as we go through this study. Sending you much love covered in prayers and hugs ♥️❤️

    5. Mercy says:

      ❤️ Amen to the gift of lament. It feels good venting to GOD. He collects our tears in a bottle.

    6. Wendy B says:

      ❤️

  34. Ashley Oliver says:

    Amen, Looking forward to the growth in this study!

  35. Mari V says:

    The perfect song for this study: “Dancing On The Waves” by We the Kingdom

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Oh yes, I LOVE that song!

      I love Praise You in the Storm! Casting Crowns!

  36. Tricia C says:

    To be quite honest. My heart aches, and I don’t have the energy to lament. I ache for my three children who don’t know the Lord and for the one who won’t even talk to me or allow me access to my three grandchildren. My heart just aches, and I don’t know what to say or what to do.
    Lord, I pray that you would be with me in my grief. I thank you that you already know the story and everything that’s going to happen. I praise you for giving me the opportunity to lament. You said in your word that we would have trouble. I’m trusting in you through it all. Amen.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Amen. That must be so hard, especially no contact with the one son! I am so grateful God hears our heart and Knows what we need.

    2. Jordan Drennan says:

      Praying for you and your children Tricia ❤️

    3. Tina says:

      Tricia, I am so very sorry for your troubles, what sadness you must carry..
      Praying your prayer alongside you, dear friend.. GOD be with you..❤️

    4. B says:

      Oh so sorry for and praying for your situation.
      Thanking God that you have the strength of faith to praise for the opportunity to lament and to trust the Lord through it all.

    5. Tami says:

      Tricia C – have you ever heard of a website called “Grace Restored” by Kathy Cunningham? She has a ministry for parents of adult children who are struggling and I think her personal testimony would encourage you. I’m praying for restoration.

  37. Tina Johnson says:

    ❤️ we are allowed to mourn and rejoice at the same time, what a great and needed reminder ❤️

  38. Elizabeth Dunkerson says:

    My father passed away in January. He was a wonderful 88 years young. I was so close to him, as well as my husband and children. It has been very hard to deal with the grief.

    It’s not just a coincidence that this study came when it has. This is divine intervention. Maybe I can find some solace from this study.

    1. Tina says:

      Elizabeth, my prayer for you as we go through this study is that you not only find solace, but that you find peace and eventually joy in the memories of your wonderful father…❤️

  39. Cheryl Blow says:

    Praying this study will minister to all who are in the difficult part of their story!

    God is so good to meet us in our grieving and in our dancing!

    I look forward to learning better how to live in the in between! God is so faithful to sit with us wherever we are!

    1. Tina says:

      BUT GOD…
      .
      Amen.❤️

  40. Mari V says:

    …weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Ps 30:5) I stand as a testimony true to this verse! Now it doesn’t say “when” but rejoicing, joy DOES come. I know it does as I have lived this! I can recall in my early 20’s, this verse being given to me as an encouragement and to trust JESUS! So glad I did! And as the years went by there were many more and I always go back to this verse because it’s a promise and I believe it! We have a dear friend who recently lost her husband and we are hoping she will join us for this bible study. This morning’s reading was so perfect! Please pray for her.

    1. Tina says:

      Amen. Yes you are, besutiful Mari!❤️

  41. Kerry Rowley says:

    I really need this study.

    1. Tina says:

      ❤️

  42. Susan Burley says:

    Cannot wait for this new study! I’ve become so acquainted with grief, it has become like an old friend to me. Popping in randomly when I least expect it and leaving soon after. I am so thankful that God does not leave us in the mourning, and that He always provides comfort throughout our journey!

    1. Tina says:

      Ahh, Susan..looking forward to the journey with you..❤️

  43. Wendy B says:

    Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word and that in every season and circumstance you are present and near. Work in our hearts Lord and show us how both sorrow and joy can go hand in hand. Fill us with with your peace and courage; your comfort, strength and joy. Remind our hearts that when we cry out, you lift us up. In every season may our rejoicing and refining bring forth great praise, honor and glory to your name. Encourage our hearts through this study Lord and bless this community as we seek your face. Amen

    1. Tricia C says:

      Amen. Thank you.

    2. Tina says:

      Amen, Wendy..❤️

  44. Maria B says:

    When my father died 13 years ago, it was a moment of incredible grief— my father was my best friend in the entire world and my compass. I found out he died while on my way to report to my new duty station. But as my heart was breaking, God also gave me this mental image of my dad at the feet of the sacred heart of Jesus. And that brought me incredible joy in the midst of that most heartbreaking grief I’ve experienced.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, I also felt extreme happiness in my grief knowing my mom was finally home where she was excited to go! It is such a balm to the pain. The cut is still there, but it doesn’t hurt in the same way. “we don’t grieve as the world does..!

    2. Susan Burley says:

      So sorry for your loss Maria! I also lost my father awhile ago, so I understand your pain.

    3. Tina says:

      Maria, what a gift, to have had that mental image.. isn’t God good? sending hugs your way..❤️

  45. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

    If there was one that knew the stark contrast between mourning and dancing, I’d have to say it was David! Throughout the book of Psalms we read over and over again of his times of sorrow, grief, suffering, and loneliness. But we also read of all his songs of praise, joy, thanksgiving, and worship – sometimes within in the same song.
    .
    It’s very comforting because it shows us it’s OK to experience all of these emotions and still be in fellowship with God. And as Solomon will later say, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
    .
    I must say, that the times I have grown the most have been in the seasons of deep pain and suffering. And as difficult as those times were, I’d go through them again knowing that it brought me such a sweet intimacy with God.
    .
    May I learn to navigate through each season as I do daily life with my Lord.

    @Christy Grant – I am so sorry for your loss. The “firsts” are always the hardest. Prayers for you, your dad and your sister – and that she will warm up to the idea of your dad seeking companionship.
    @Adrienne – continued prayers for your mom and that she will soon be home.
    @Traci – I am so sorry to hear about Debbie’s sister. Continued prayers for Debbie as she battles her cancer, and also for her sister as she begins treatments for hers. What a terrible thing to both have to experience.
    @Grammiesue – What a wonderful surprise for you and Steve to come home to! Praise God for thoughtful, loving family and friends! Continued prayers for Steve and that the MRI in June will show shrinkage!

    Happy Monday She’s! Excited to begin this new study with you all! ❤️

    1. Tina says:

      Sending hugs your way dear friend. Much love..❤️

  46. Rhonda J. says:

    I love the term “mourning to dancing!” Graves to gardens, sorrow to joy,
    ashes to confetti (that’s a new one I just coined!)
    wheelchairs to cartwheels!
    Okay I’ll stop. But life IS full of these contradicting words and seasons. We are taught this from our very beginnings from crying in a wet diaper to suckling down the milk, to our fits as a toddler to the next minute happily hugging our mother, to teenage tandrums and breakdowns to laughing and giggling with our girlfriends. So you would think we would be well versed in this pattern of life as we embark in adulthood. But we don’t want hard. We don’t want sadness.
    Luckily we have the written word to point us to the truth of this meaning of life. There IS purpose in it all! Hallelujah! The mystery is solved. As a Christ-follower we get beautiful insight on the beautiful plan of it all! We have a new, wonderful perspective on life and it’s purpose through Him, and OUR NEW IDENTITY! And then we renew our mind each day, developing a sturdy foundation that endures and runs the race well! Yeah, we may trip, and even have some hard falls..yet we don’t quit the race. And the great thing, like Tina said, if we are hurt or too tired, our She’s will pick us up, or sit with us, until we are able to move forward with help and get stable again.
    One of my friends at church is an author and she just released her new book last year titled “From Mourning to Dancing!” I was thrilled when she asked me to share my story in it! That is why our stories are so important…to SHARE to encourage others! I thought mine was pretty minute compared to others’sufferings, but yet, she insisted. Mine is just a story of chronic pain, but there are hundreds of thousands that live with chronic pain these days. And it does wear you down, and can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and then often depression. So with every battle, no matter what one, God is in it with us. He will sustain, strengthen, and comfort us. He will Heal us- the day is there already in the cards when we have our faith in Him! That is my blessed assurance, and can be yours in any trial or season! He is a Healer, He is a Savior!

    So many songs but “Joy in the Morning” (is the title?” by Tauren Wells, is a good one. “Blessed Assurance” hymn is the best!
    This is my Story, this is my Song!
    Praising my Savior all the long!
    This is my story this is my song…

    Whatever season you are in, we are never alone when our hope and faith is in Jesus Christ. What a Savior! What a friend! Lift your eyes off your troubles and put them on Jesus. You are not your circumstances, you are a child of God, never abandoned, never alone! What good news that is!!

    1. Wendy B says:

      ❤️

    2. GramsieSue says:

      Lift your eyes off your troubles and put them on Jesus!
      Yes! ❤️

    3. Tina says:

      So good, Rhonda ❤️

    4. Mercy says:

      You made me laugh. Love “ashes to confetti”, and all of them. “Is anything impossible for God?” (Genesis 18:14). What a promise! Do we have the cognitive ability to believe? I pray my brain will catch up with God’s reality.

  47. Christen Plough says:

    I am needing this study at this exact moment. Reminders to seek him through every season! ❤️

  48. Stephanie F says:

    Excited to join this community and read with you all!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Welcome Stephanie!

    2. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Welcome to the community Stephanie!

    3. Tricia C says:

      Welcome Stephanie!

    4. Tina says:

      Indeed, welcome Stephanie ❤️

  49. Kayla Bostwick says:

    Amen!

  50. Searching says:

    I should read Ecclesiastes more often. It’s been a while and today it was fresh yet familiar and timely. God’s word never grows stale and remains as necessary and applicable today as when the scrolls were written. What an awesome God we serve.
    .
    Ecclesiastes 3:14
    I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
    .
    In the most painful times of mourning, remembering that God is with us through the pain is life giving. Looking back on times of what felt like unbearable pain, I know God was with me through every step of every day and got me to where I am today – memories mixed with remembrance of loss, we never forget those we love.
    .
    CHRISTY GRANT – ❤️I am so sorry about the loss of your mom and the sadness of yesterday being your first Mother’s Day without her here. Praying for your family – for your dad as he must be so sad, lost and lonely without his partner of 59 years, and for your sister as she may feel your mom’s memory is being disrespected by your dad seeking companionship to help ease his pain of loss and loneliness, only he knows the extent of the pain.
    VIRGINIA LAPIERRE – ❤️ thank you for your testimony of God’s presence at these times of immeasurable joy and loss.
    MARYA KAT ❤️❤️❤️
    B ❤️praying for joy to be all around you today.

    1. Tanya Evans says:

      Jesus was a man of sorrows. He sits with us in our grief. He visited Mary and Martha after Lazurus died.

      “Jesus wept”.

      I don’t recall a lot of rejoicing moments while He walked the earth. He attended a wedding in Cana. I am sure he rejoiced with the bride and groom.

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        After reading your comment, now a message on the radio with Greg Laurie, he said the title “Jesus- A Man of Sorrows!”
        I love how God always uses the morning messages on my radio to always coincide with the topics here.

    2. Cee Gee says:

      ❤❤❤

    3. B says:

      So grateful for your sweet prayers ❤️

    4. Tina says:

      Love wrapped hugs winging their way to you, Searching..❤️

  51. LaRae Taylor says:

    Amen

  52. Amelia Gillenwater says:

    Needed those today!

  53. Virginia Lapierre says:

    A year ago this month, my first granddaughter was born and my dad passed away—all within a 24-hour period. I remember holding such immense joy and such intense sorrow in my heart at the same time. And through it all, God held me. I’m grateful to be doing this study during the anniversary of these events and I look forward to gaining more insight into mourning and dancing God’s way.

    1. Searching says:

      ❤️

    2. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

    3. Tina says:

      Hugs❤️

  54. Kim Davis says:

    Good morning.  As we start this new study, I have to say that I enjoyed the format of our response section being a lament. I really enjoyed slowing down and considering my heart before the Lord, reflecting on who He is, bringing Him my worries, needs, and concerns, then moving into petition, but ultimately ending in confidence and praise.

    Psalm 30:11 really stood out to me: “You turned my lament into dancing.” It was such a good reminder that God welcomes our honesty and grief, but He also gently leads us back to hope.

  55. Gladys Serrano says:

    Amen

  56. Lauren McDonaldBridges says:

    Finding tension between the world and Jesus,, mourning and dancing, flesh and spirit, I love that we’re going to explore how Jesus meets us in the in between.

  57. Marya Kat says:

    The past few days have been tough as Mother’s Day renews the grief over my daughter who passed suddenly almost three years ago. Looking forward to this. His mercies are new every morning.

    1. Searching says:

      ❤️

    2. Jane K says:

      Praying for you, Marya, as you grieve the loss of your daughter.

    3. Wendy B says:

      ❤️

    4. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Marya Kat, I am so sorry for your loss. To lose a child – unimaginable. Praying God continues to comfort you and minister to your heart in your loss. ❤️

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        Yes, amen.

    5. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying for you Marya Kate!

    6. Jordan Drennan says:

      Praying for you Marya x

    7. Tina says:

      Marya, i am so very sorry for your troubles and this journey you are on..
      .
      BUT GOD..
      He mercies indeed are new every morning, and He is near to the broken hearted and as the mercies come with each new day so for sure, joy will come one day soon wrapped in the mercy of a new day. Hold fast..❤️

  58. Aimee D-R says:

    Amen

  59. Tami says:

    I’m excited to do this study with you all! This will be my first time. I’m so grateful we have a God that welcomes our laments.

    1. Grammie D says:

      Welcome! This is a place for encouragement and prayer support!

  60. Tami says:

    Our prodigals list. Please add any names in the comment below my name. I’ve added a new verse that the Lord gave me for my daughter. Let’s believe that the Lord is doing a new thing for all on this list!

    Isaiah 43:19 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

    Alice V – Brian, Rachel
    Kim Mullins – Tyler
    Tami – Chela, Quentin
    Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
    Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
    Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
    Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
    Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
    Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
    Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
    Aleida – Victor
    Maddie – Michelle, Julia
    Rhonda – Michael
    Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
    Deb – Brandon, Angel
    Linda J – Matthew
    Mollie – Sam
    MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
    Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
    Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
    Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
    Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
    Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
    Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
    Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
    Bessie – Ben
    Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
    Sandy Lynn – Andy
    Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
    Jane K – Leah
    B – M, B
    Susan B – Tammy, Amy
    Carla – Cierra, Stephen
    Lisa H – Cora
    Kimberk – Megan, Randy
    Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
    Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
    Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
    Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
    Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
    Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
    Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
    Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
    Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
    Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
    Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
    Jenny Carmichael – Katy
    Mercy – boys in social care system
    Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
    Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
    Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
    Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
    Vicki – Ben, Sian
    TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
    Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
    Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
    Susan B – Emma
    Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
    Nat – Marissa, Melody
    Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
    Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
    Laura – Jordan, Taliah
    April L – Molly, Becca
    Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
    Heather – Jack, Hudson
    Cheryl Blow – Sara
    Dianne – Ian
    Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
    Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
    Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
    Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
    Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
    Shar – K
    Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
    Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
    Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
    K-Ann – G, T, S
    Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
    Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
    Lena- Andrea,Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
    LaRae-Levi
    Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
    AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
    Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
    Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
    Karen- Nathan, Bailey
    Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
    Gina – Carolyn, Steven
    Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
    TS Woodruff – Danielle
    Tammy H.- Alyssa
    Danielle B-Joelle, Adam
    Myra – Mitchell
    Debby – Kristen
    Jenn F – B&E, J&T
    K – Alizabeth
    Stephanie – Greg

    1. Cat-tee says:

      Amen – thank you Tami ❤️

    2. Melanie C says:

      Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat

    3. Mollie says:

      Can you add Haley, Jeff, Rhonda please ❤️

    4. Tricia C says:

      Thank you Tami. My heart just aches right now for all of our children and prodigals. Praying that each one of these find their space with Jesus.

    5. Margo says:

      Lindsey,Drew,Lauren,Spencer

  61. Alana Anderson says:

    Amen❤️

  62. Sandi Mcaviney says:

    happy Monday to you, my friend

  63. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Welcome to all the gals joining us for the first time. May this study be a blessing to you.
    ✝️
    “A time to…” In other words, seasons that come and go. Thankful that seasons change…eventually. Praying this study helps us see God’s goodness and lovingkindness in them all.
    .

    1. Tina says:

      ❤️

  64. Tina says:

    Let’s learn from the psalmists, the patriarchs, the early Church letter writers, and from Jesus Himself how to weep well before the Lord and how to wipe our tears and raise our hands in praise…
    .
    ..And if we have not the strength to raise our hands in praise, or even to wipe our tears.. as sisters here, I reckon we can raise each other’s hands in praise, together..
    Indeed, we read on, for God alone gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace.. (Psalm 29:11).
    .
    BUT GOD..
    .
    AMEN.
    .
    Sending much love across the pond to ALL, hopeful today is a good and God blessed day for you and yours..
    Hugs and prayers,
    Tina ♥️

    1. Cat-tee says:

      I smiled as I read your post this morning Tina: “ And if we have not the strength to raise our hands in praise, or even to wipe our tears.. as sisters here, I reckon we can raise each other’s hands in praise, together..” This is one of the many reasons I love SRT and all of our sisters here ❤️ Happy Monday all!

      1. B says:

        Amen!❤️

    2. Danielle B says:

      Yes, Tina I agree and have experienced the dear SRT sisters raising hands while wiping tears for me in my season. May we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to each other and those not in SRT.

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        It is so good when we share IN the midst of the storm…trusting our sisters BEFORE we know the outcome! Many don’t want to share their burdens with others, keeping the fears, worries, and sadness inside. But we are told that God comforts us so we can in turn comfort others. We are to share our burdens with fellow believers! How can we pray for what we don’t know?! Then when we see miraculous healing like yours we get to be a part of that in real time! Being the hands and feet amen! This is so important for our non-believing friends too, that we represent Him and reach out to them in their hard times regardless if it is from their own choices or not.
        It is a blessing knowing that when I have to go through fire or storms, or valleys ahead, that my She’s will be there.

        1. Dianne says:

          Thank you both, Tina and Rhonda, for your encouragement. I am one of those people who find it difficult to share what’s on my heart, but you make such a good point. How can we find strength from others if they don’t know what to pray for?
          Have a blessed day!

        2. Tricia C says:

          ❤️

    3. Searching says:

      Beautiful, Tina. Hand in hand, lifting each other up, hands and spirits.

    4. Sandi S says:

      I love that you added that Tina, thank you.

    5. Cee Gee says:

      Amen, Tina! ❤❤❤

    6. Jane K says:

      Beautiful, Tina. ❤️

    7. Wendy B says:

      Love this Tina, thank you❤️

    8. LP LK says:

      ♥️♥️

    9. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Beautifully said, Tina. ❤️

    10. Tricia C says:

      Thank you Tina.

    11. MARTHA HIX says:

      ❤️

  65. Onyekachi Mavis-Claire Ekeh says:

    ❤️

    1. Tina says:

      I absolutely needed to send a ❤️ back to you Onyekachi for your very beautiful name..

  66. A Walton says:

    Glad to be reading along with all of you!

  67. Sandi Mcaviney says:

    I like that weep well before the lord

    1. Tina says:

      Sandy, you know what, as did I.
      Happy Monday sister!❤️