My thoughts and prayers are with the families whose loved ones perished in the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condos in Surfside, Florida. Who can deal with such devastation and heartbreak?
We often don’t know what to say to someone who is grieving. What do you say? “I’m sorry for your loss. Be strong in Jesus. Keep the faith; things will get better. You’re in my prayers.”
We say these and other things to let the grieved know that we understand their sorrow and pain. And we pray for their healing and strength.
But there is someone who understands their vexed souls so much better than we do. And in the bosom of His Word is solace.
In John 16:22 (KJV), Christ says to us today as He said to his disciples, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
AMEN!
Who better to comfort the grief-stricken than the one who knows us and our griefs and sorrows? Christ reveals Himself to those who seek Him in the midst of their despair. And the joy of His presence and love displaces the troubles and pains of the present. That’s why His presence is the Comforter, the Holy Spirit who abides with those who love and trust Him.
Yes, Christ is with us through His Holy Spirit. And the joy of His Spirit is our peace and strength.
Condolences and expressions of love from friends and loved ones are great and consoling. But Jesus’ words of comfort heal broken hearts. He tells the troubled, distressed, and vexed to give all cares to Him. Believing that the loved ones who are absent in the body are present with Him, He tells the believer, “Let not your heart be troubled.”
And let’s not forget the words of the Apostle Paul, a bold and well-known witness of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18 (KJV) says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
In his reckoning, Paul believed that God’s glory will be manifested in His servants and would greatly surpass any and all of their earthly sufferings. Because of this, Paul’s faith and joy were unmovable, whatever the trial or tribulation.
Such faith is what we need. Such joy is ours to have.
Read today’s headlines about violence and suffering; people are in terrible pain and grief everywhere in the world. But we don’t have to look that far.
If you haven’t had much good news lately, consider these verses. Commune in the words that are spoken in the spirit of faith. John 16:22 is the great news of the gospel of Christ, the savior of the world. He extends His arms today to receive and comfort the burdened.
Romans 8:18 is the spirit of hope, love, and promise of the paradise that awaits the believe in eternity.
If you have lost a loved one: daughter, son, husband, wife, or anyone else so dear, reckon unto these verses. The best salve for the heart and burden is God’s word.
There is someone who cares. The joy of Christ is for us now and eternity.
Let us persevere, knowing that better days are ahead. Jesus can replace the suffering of the present with peace and joy of the future and the glory of eternity with Him.
“Amid so many problems, even grave, may we not lose our hope in the infinite mercy of God.” – Pope Francis
Stay safe.