Messages by Desiring God Is God Dishonored When We Grieve?
Jan 17, 2026
David Mathis explores the profound relationship between joy and grief, emphasizing that they can coexist in Christ. He dives into the Psalms, highlighting how many originate from sorrow and lament. The discussion questions whether expressing sadness honors God, showcasing how godly grief, as seen in figures like Jesus and Paul, can reflect holiness. Faithful singing amid tragedy is exemplified through the hymn "It Is Well," reminding listeners that current sorrows prepare us for eternal joy.
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Psalms Celebrate Lament As Song
- The Psalms frequently model singing from grief, not only from happiness, with 50–60 laments among 150 psalms.
- This shows biblical worship includes lament as a normative response to suffering, not merely celebratory praise.
Personal Encounters With Sudden Tragedy
- David Mathis recounts recent local tragedies including a school shooting and a friend's paralysis to illustrate real sorrow in his community.
- These stories show how grief landed close to his family and shaped his longing to sing 'It Is Well' amid pain.
Practice Discerning Holy Versus Unholy Grief
- Do distinguish holy sorrow from unholy or misplaced sorrow by its object and fruit, such as grief that leads to repentance or godly endurance.
- Avoid excessive or misdirected grief and cultivate grief that produces repentance, perseverance, and dependence on God.
