This morning I opened up my Psalms prayerbook and read, “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress… May he send you help from the sanctuary” (Psalm 20:1-2).
3,000 years ago, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Psalmist was interceding for our comfort. Believing that inspires me to pray. Instead of trying to make prayer happen with my words and energies, I let the Scripture and the Spirit carry me to the throne of grace. “We don’t know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:26).
What comfort do you need today? Is someone in your circle hurting?
In our family we are very sad and in need of comfort. We lost Kristi’s dad to a heart attack yesterday. Our loss is heaven’s gain as he’s in glory with Jesus. We’re happy for him, but we will so miss having him part of the family.
There’s been a lot of tears and more to come. Also lots of hugs, listening, memories, and prayers. How do you let go of husband? Father? Grandpa? Friend? Yesterday, he had so much life. Today he’s gone, but actually more alive than ever. So many hopes that can’t be fulfilled, yet he has realized the greatest hope of all in the arms of Jesus.
In the Arms of Jesus
In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of comfort. That’s the only way to let go of a loved one — embrace the Loved One. The Lord Jesus Christ who conquered sin and death embraces us now here on earth even as he is embracing Kristi’s dad in heaven.
In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of hope. Really we’re all just pilgrims passing through this earth. We try not to think about how brief our lives are. We forget that “the life that is truly life” is not only in heaven waiting for us, but it is in increasing measure available for us to “take hold” of right now with Jesus in his kingdom of the heavens (1 Timothy 6:19).
In the arms of Jesus. That’s where we are as we embrace one another. We are the body of Christ. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).
In the arms of Jesus. That’s where the Psalmist led me this morning. I hope it’s where you are now. Who do you know who needs to find comfort and hope in the arms of Jesus? It’s by being in the arms of Jesus yourself that you can offer the help to others that is needed. (He has BIG arms to hold lots of people!)
O Jesus, there is no better place to be than in your arms — we rest in your embrace. We release our loved ones into your arms — they rest in your embrace. Yes, Lord, in your arms heaven and earth aren’t so far apart. Amen.
More Soul Shepherding
“I Fell into a Pit of Depression” tells the story of how God helped me at a time when I was depressed.
Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry. If we can help you find God’s comfort contact us. We want to help you live in such a way that God’s peace and grace live in you and overflow from you to others in need.
