God, Grace & Grieving

I think what breaks my heart most during this pandemic are the people who have lost loved ones. I have several friends who have had loved ones in the hospital and they could not visit. Now, I am not hating on rules, I am simply saying that this is heart breaking. I cannot imagine having my loved one in the hospital and I could not be there. Some not even to say their "goodbyes". There are those who have not been able to travel to be with that person or family during these times. And there are those who have not been able to have our "normal" closure because they have not been able to have a funeral or celebration of life service. I have several on my prayer list that are going through this. And deaths are being reported constantly as just a number and that hurts when one of those numbers is yours. We are the church so let's send the message of hope!

Recently I read a devotional about people who are grieving. It was written prior to Covid-19 but it really spoke to me. The devotional included Psalm 51: 12, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit,to sustain me." I had never paid attention to this verse but I thought how appropriate it is for those grieving and for my life right now. I began to pray this Psalm upon those God brought to mind who were grieving. Grieving on top of all the other stuff going on with the pandemic! Then He brought to mind those who were grieving other things such as a relationship, a job, life as they knew it, etc. What a weird time we are going through but so thankful we can pray for each other. Ephesians 6: 18, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

Let's pray that God will bring to mind those who are grieving. Let's pray for them to have moments of joy to remind them that God is with them. Pray that they will be reminded that God is the joy of salvation. Pray that they will be reminded how much they are loved by you and by God! Pray that God will restore their joy, no matter their circumstance. It is that joy that enables us to walk through the valley's. Pray that this is a time for them to trust God. I am so thankful we can pray for each other. Ephesians 6: 18, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

Our circumstances have changed drastically but God remains the same, no matter what we are going through. Hebrews 13: 8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He still wants the best for you! Jeremiah 29: 11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” During this time remember Who and Whose you are! 1 John 3: 1, “The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children.” You are His beloved!