A Season of Loss

This has been a really rough start to this year. It seems like we have been hit with lots of sadness and heavy loss all at once. I have been reminded over and over that we have no guarantee for tomorrow. But it is also a reminder that this life on Earth is not our permanent home. Some people believe that once we become Christians, all our worries should be over, and we should always be happy. Well, I haven’t been happy this month. In fact, I have had a lot of sorrow to deal with. But I have learned again that I don’t have to do this alone, that God promises in His word that He will stand beside me. Some of my favorite verses have to do with God’s comfort and His promise not to leave my side. Joshua 1:9 has been a longtime favorite verse, where He says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God promises us that He will be with us, wherever we go. That is a BIG promise, but don’t worry, we have an even BIGGER God! Second Corinthians 1:3 describes Him as the “father of compassion and the God of all comfort”. We can trust that our sorrow and pain will be safe in the hands of the one who is the most comforting of all. God is also FAITHFUL. Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Here on Earth we will have trials, and we will have pain. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and we wonder how we will put our feet on the floor, and step forward. Each day seems like so much effort. Our God is waiting to comfort you. Our God is waiting to offer you compassion and protection. All you have to do is ask!