Others may comfort us and sit with us as we sorrow, but in the end we must find our own way out of the sorrow we may carry. Everyone else has their own share of difficulty in their lives. James said to confess our troubles to one another because the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man helps a lot (James 5:16). There is much truth in that statement. However, it is also true that if we are always first to blurt out our needs, our woes and our sorrows, then people will grow uncomfortable and no longer want to talk with us.

The better way is hidden in the words of James. Since the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, we can become that man for ourselves. It is good to go to our friends and ask for prayers when we need them, but we also need to give others hope and sunshine in their lives. There are enough clouds for everyone. It is good to hold back our clouds of sorrow, let the sun shine for the benefit of others, and take our sorrows to God in prayer.