Today's Scripture
"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" - John 14:27 AMP
Thoughts for Today
Emotional losses are among the hardest to accept. Bankruptcy, loss of job, or foreclosure on our home can lead to a loss of status and self esteem, bringing embarrassment that never seems to go away. Shame and guilt bring alienation from others, compounded by self-blame and withdrawal from supportive relationships.
In today's scripture, Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was to come—betrayal, death, resurrection and his return to heaven. He promised peace and exhorted them not to be troubled and frightened. As his followers today, we can receive that same peace—no matter what our circumstances. No matter what has happened, we are still special to him. He still loves us and will never forsake us.
Consider this …
The attitude we have toward the losses of life will either make us or break us. We need to learn that we cannot always be in control of our lives. We should learn to change the things we can change, learn to accept the things we cannot change and ask for divine guidance to know the difference.
Father, thank you for peace, the kind of peace that passes all understanding. Help me to do as Jesus said, to put aside anxiety and fear. Help me to experience your peace. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Handling Loss and Grief: How to Face Losses in Life and Grieve Christianly by Raymond T. Brock, Ed.D. This study teaches participants what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss.
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