HEAVENSREEF

I dropped my stack of books and Bible off my lap onto the floor trying to process what my friend was telling me…….someone we held dear to us had taken her life.  But this time of year?  Yes, she did.

My feeling of shock and unbelief is very evident to me because I just cannot wrap my mind around the thought of it…….there are no words.

But as the moments pass before me I remember something someone once said:

that death doesn’t take a holiday.

As we go through this glorious season of joy, let us be aware and mindful of those who have lost.  For them there will be one less seat at the table this year, one less gift around the tree.  They have lost much.  For how they are suffering, their search now is only for peace……..peace in the midst of the chaos of a life turned upside down.

So what can we do for them?  Inside we want to turn away because it is too hard, but because GOD never abandons us, we turn towards HIM and we turn towards those hurting.  I am learning to be present, and aware and available.  Because this season is about JESUS, I need to be HIS peace around those who need it desperately.

When we are part of CHRIST’S family, we hurt when others hurt.  And we love much when others need HIS love…….

only the love of sweet JESUS can heal a hurting soul.

HIS supernatural peace, a peace that goes beyond our understanding surrounds us and sinks in us, when we pray.  And so our everyday prayers for others releases it……there is a peace of heart because GOD is already working in the prayer itself.  And we can trust that HIS peace is released upon that person we are praying for.

2 KINGS 20:5 “THUS SAYS THE LORD, THE GOD OF DAVID YOUR FATHER: I HAVE HEARD YOUR PRAYER; I HAVE SEEN YOUR TEARS.  BEHOLD, I WILL HEAL YOU.”

My Pastor said on Sunday that the pathway through anything is always prayer…….GOD can’t answer unless we are on our knees……. on our knees for the hurting and the lost.

The world wants peace and we need peace……it is the human condition.  The enemy wants to steal peace from us…….but the truth will heal us.

PSALM 25: 5 “LEAD ME IN YOUR TRUTH AND TEACH ME, FOR YOU ARE THE GOD OF MY SALVATION; FOR YOU I WAIT ALL THE DAY LONG.”

Let us not be so caught up in all the tinsel and parties this season, that we overlook someone struggling with their loss.  Yes it is hard and weighs on your own heart, but reach out and be present for them…….love them with HIS supernatural peace and listen and be present for them.

Sometimes, the best words are none at all…….just sit with them.  Sometimes the best comfort is a strong hug when there are no words.  The gift of your time, just might be the perfect present they need.  And pray…….with them.  

Those of us who have lost someone know that after the funeral or wake and all that goes with those first tough weeks, that the real hard stuff comes.  The year of firsts begins…….birthdays, anniversaries and all the holidays on the calendar that year without their loved one. Try to remember with them.  Those special dates will be difficult for them……..come alongside.

I know this is a heavy post, but my heart is heavy this week……let’s not forget that JESUS never forgot the lost or the poor or the ones who were mourning.  What a comfort to know that “JESUS WEPT” too!  JOHN 11: 35.  Let’s be a comfort to others, as HE did so long ago.  Reach out a hand of loving grace during this Christmas season…….be HIS peace, be HIS love and be HIS mercy for others.

MATTHEW 5: 9 “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD.”