Audits & Resolutions - Day 24

Write From My Heart / December 24, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 24

Question: How do I manage when things seem hopeless and I’m feeling despair?

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 57:1 (NIV) Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 68:19 (NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

            The reality is that not everyone enjoys holidays with its brightness and merriment. Some folks have hearts overwhelmed by sudden loss of loved ones and for them, this is the first experience of wanting to buy or give a gift yet coming to the realization that the loved one for whom the gift would be intended is no longer living. For others who have endured loss for many years, the pain is just as real. Loss hits people in different ways and at the least expected times. Memories leave gaping holes in our heart that only God can mend. To me, this is the most significant point, that God will comfort us and fill those holes with peace if we will turn to him. In fact, the despair we feel and the peace that comes when we are comforted by God allows us to comfort others in the same way. We understand. We know how to pray for others who are feeling the same things we have felt. We can share God peace and move forward together.

Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

 Resolution: Accept God's comfort, then comfort others.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know the deepest sorrows of our hearts. You give us a peace that the world does not understand, and you fill us with hope and joy. Give us the strength that we might bring hope, joy, peace, and comfort to others in need.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.