The River of Despair

Some rivers evoke great sadness and we may wish that we never see them again. The rivers of Babylon may have been very beautiful but they reminded the Jews of their captivity. There were spiritual reasons why they were weeping. They had sinned against God. They were removed from the means of grace in Jerusalem. Furthermore they were provoked by the ungodly. We have to ask ourselves whether we ever weep. The Christian life should be full of emotions such as joy but often is lacking.

There are some helps for us when we are weeping. It may be necessary for us to recognise failed aims and hopes. Our aims may have been sinful or unrealistic. We may weep because of guilt that we recognise. There is grief and we are to remember that of all weeping there is an end.