Matthew 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

A literal translation of this verse renders it this way “But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

Child Birth is an incredibly painful thing (as I have observed) yet it’s also an amazing and wonderful thing that leads to joy and celebration and new life.

Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

I know some Christians who get freaked out every few years by end times predictions. I also know some Christians who get freaked out by the tribulations of every day life. Here’s the deal, gang, you can spend your life wailing and gnashing your teeth over stuff you have little control over or you can be about your Father’s business. It occurs to me that despite His impending suffering and death on the cross, Jesus was always about His Father’s business.

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Sack cloth and ashes was for repentance, not moping. Repentance accomplishes great and wonderful things. Moping, not so much.