March 31, 2026

DAILY BREAD — Godly Sorrow that Leads to Joy

ADVICE:
Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. James 4:9

PROMISE:
I will comfort all who mourn… I will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes… a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:2–3

​PRAYER:
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word. Psalm 119:37

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Dear Heavenly Father,
Teach me the sorrow that accords with truth. When my heart grows casual about sin, awaken me to a grief that leads to repentance and life. Keep me from a shallow joy that ignores what is broken within me. Instead, form in me a contrite spirit that returns quickly to You, trusting not in my own resolve but in Your mercy.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You do not leave Your people in mourning. You take ashes and give beauty, heaviness and give praise. Root me deeply in Your grace so that repentance does not end in despair but in restoration. Let the joy You give be stronger than the sorrow that leads me to You.

Holy Spirit,
guard my eyes and order my desires. Turn me from what is empty and preserve me by Your Word. Lead me into renewal that is steady and real—where sin is put to death and righteousness begins to flourish. Establish me as one planted by the Lord, that my life may display His splendor.

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

​Amen.