James 4:9 (ESV) 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Psalm 38:17 (ESV) 17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me.

When some think of the Christian walk, most don’t associate it with sadness but rather joy.  I’m not saying Christians should be walking around with long faces.  We should be the happiest people on earth.  But there is something true that both the Psalmist and James are communicating.

Our JOY is ultimately connected with our sorrow over sin.  Jesus Himself said on many occasions, the one who is forgiven more is happier than the one who has been forgiven less.

Your desire for God is directed impacted by your feelings towards the sins you have committed against Him.   This is why I love Thomas Watson quote saying, “Until sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

Application:

If your heart has gone cold towards God, remember from where He has saved you and everything that He has done for you!  Ask Him to break your heart over sin and over those lost in sin the way it impacts Him.  This way, not only will God awaken your heart but it will help others to find the same life God that has done so much for you!