WORLDLY SORROW
Understanding and addressing worldly sorrow.
Understanding and Addressing Worldly Sorrow
Objective: This workbook is designed to help you understand the concept of worldly sorrow, discern it from godly sorrow, and take actionable steps towards spiritual growth. It includes scripture readings, reflection exercises, and practical action points.
1. Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading (5 minutes)
Psalm 8:1-9 (NKJV)
O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
You who set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Reflection:
What does this psalm reveal about God’s majesty and our place in creation?
How does recognizing our position in God’s creation impact our understanding of sorrow?
2. Understanding Worldly Sorrow (10 minutes)
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Reflection Questions:
How does worldly sorrow differ from godly sorrow based on this verse?
What are the key signs of worldly sorrow mentioned? (e.g., fear, blame-shifting, self-pity)
What impact does worldly sorrow have on an individual's spiritual life?
Biblical Examples of Worldly Sorrow:
Adam and Eve: How did their fear and blame-shifting lead to worldly sorrow?
Moses Striking the Rock: What does this story teach us about self-defense and anger in relation to sorrow?
Sarah and Hagar: How did Sarah’s frustration and impatience manifest in worldly sorrow?
Reflection:
Identify any patterns or consequences of worldly sorrow in these stories.
How can understanding these stories help us recognize worldly sorrow in our own lives?
3. Recognizing and Addressing Worldly Sorrow (10 minutes)
Reflection and Self-Examination:
Discernment: How can you distinguish between worldly and godly sorrow in your own experiences?
Support Systems: Reflect on the importance of surrounding yourself with wise counsel when dealing with worldly sorrow. Who in your life can offer this support?
Holy Spirit’s Role: How does the intervention of the Holy Spirit play a crucial role in overcoming worldly sorrow?
Action Points:
Journaling Exercise: Write about a recent experience where you felt sorrow. Reflect on whether this sorrow was worldly or godly, and how it impacted your relationship with God.
Prayer for Discernment: Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where worldly sorrow may be present.
Seek Counsel: Reach out to a trusted friend or mentor to discuss your reflections and seek guidance.
4. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with gratitude for Your grace and wisdom. We acknowledge the struggles of worldly sorrow and the difficulty in discerning it from godly sorrow. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts and guide us towards genuine repentance. Surround us with wise counsel and grant us the strength to overcome the challenges of worldly sorrow.
Thank You for Your unending love and the salvation You offer. May we always find comfort in Your presence and the assurance of Your promises.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
5. Further Reading and Reflection
Books: Consider reading “The Problem of Pain” by C.S. Lewis or “The Weight of Glory” by C.S. Lewis for deeper insights into suffering and sorrow.
Devotionals: Look for devotionals that focus on dealing with emotional and spiritual struggles.
Reminder: This workbook is a guide to help you on your journey of spiritual growth. Take your time with each section and revisit them as needed.