God Will Bring Comfort
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, we live in a broken world full of pain and grief. Despite that, you are always available to provide us comfort when we need it most. Help us to remember to call on you when we are despairing
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:15-19 (NIV)
REFLECT:
I remember the day well. It was a week after surgery to correct an intestinal blockage that made it hard for food to pass through my system. I was so excited to be able to eat like normal again after nearly two years of eating next to nothing. Before I knew it, I was sick again the same way I had been; it seemed like the surgery hadn’t worked. I was so overcome by anger and sadness in that moment. I felt like I had lost any chance of being even close to normal ever again.
APPLY:
When we experience loss, it can seem natural to seek comfort in the things of this world. Comfort cannot be found apart from God. Whatever you look for to help manage your grief, make sure to include God every step of the way. Just ask him to join you wherever you happen to be, whatever you happen to be doing. He absolutely loves getting asked to hang out.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for creating a way for us to have life by sacrificing yourself. We will experience grief and pain in this world, but through your sacrifice, and our acceptance of it, we live in hope for an eternity of bliss that awaits us when our time here is done.
CONTINUED READING:
John 14:27, Matthew 5:4