It is so difficult and confusing for us when we lose someone we love. Nothing can really remove the pain we feel at the time.

The book of Lamentations is believed to be written by Jeremiah after the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many of the Jews away into slavery. It is written about the sorrow associated with this, but even in the midst of the sorrow it says in Lamentation 3:22-23,

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” and in verses 31-32, it says “For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.”

We feel the deep sadness and loss because we love, but even in our loss God will comfort us because he loves us.

Dear Lord, comfort us in our times of sadness and loss. Help us remember that you love us and will not abandon us in our sorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness and for providing us the care we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Paul’s opening to his letter to the Philippians 1:3-4, he writes, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.”

What joy to have friends like this. I hope, like me, you do. Friends you have known since childhood, and friends you may have met recently, who teach you, inspire you, bring you joy, challenge you to be better, bring you closer to Jesus, and who need you to help them get closer to Jesus.

What a beautiful work the Lord does to bring us these friends.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the friends you have given us. Help us strengthen them and grow in faith with them. To your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sometimes, like the present, we just cannot understand why God is letting things happen the way they are. Terrible tragedies happen to innocent people, people lose their loved ones, evil people seem to succeed. We try and try to find the logic in the events, but cannot.

In those times, a few of the following verses may help:

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding.”

Psalm 91:14, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust my name.”

Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Psalm 27:14, “Wait patiently for the Lord, Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalm 23:4, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

We may not understand the work God is doing, but we can know that He is in control, and He is there for us.

Dear Lord, You know how difficult life can be for some people, be with those who mourn, help them feel your presence and comfort. Give use the words, wisdom, and love to be your hands of caring to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you noticed people who seem to have everything they could ever want, but they can’t seem to be happy? If they really want to find happiness and joy, they need to realize that it does not come from outside themselves getting more and more. It comes from inside, by having a state of peace that then allows us to be happy in any circumstance.

Psalm 128:1,2 says, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

Dear Lord, we cannot truly find peace and joy until we have you in our hearts, and follow your ways. Help each of us to recognize this so we can experience the joyful prosperous life you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hopefully we have all experienced a person who amazes us with their exceptional work and performance in their job. For example, the sales person who knows just how to find you exactly what you were looking for without being pushy, the service technician with a bright smile and polite “yes sir” “yes ma’am”, the contractor who proudly strives for perfection, meticulously cleans up, and patiently explains everything to his customer, or the doctor or nurse who, with angelic like compassion and tenderness, cares for the dying patient. These people not only bring great credit on themselves, they make their employers and organizations look good to those who see their service.

In much the same way, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that we are the “light of the world,” and to “let your light shine before others, that they will see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.” When we do good, we are bringing credit (glory) to God, whom we follow.

I have heard it said this way, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” We have an opportunity every day to demonstrate Gods love to those we contact.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that our actions demonstrate what Christians are to people around us. Help us do good and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.