Sometimes in this crazy, mixed up world, when our hearts are grieving and we’ve suffered devastating blows, when loss feels too deep, and the battle seems fierce, the most comforting words of all are just these 2:
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
The shortest verse in the Bible, yet one that holds such great power. That allows us to see straight into the very heart of our God whose heart beats for us. Into the compassion of our Savior who is acquainted with grief and understands deep sorrow. Into the very Spirit of God who covers us, is with us constantly, and breathes life into our innermost being.
He wept. He hurt. He grieved. He experienced loss. He felt compassion. He understood this path of suffering.
There are some who walk in our world today, and falsely believe they hold great power. They carry a gun, brandish a weapon, or spill out cruel words. They attack, they abuse, they follow the very evil whispers of the enemy himself. Their main aim is “to steal, kill, and destroy.” John 10:10
But what they don’t know is that they can never truly win. For they’re not merely fighting against flesh and blood, they’re fighting against God.
And He’s already won. He’s victorious. He holds the keys over death. Here’s truth in all the craziness of this world from the God who made us and hold all things in His power today:
He knows all.
He’s with us.
And He wins over evil.
Death never holds the final victory for one who is set free by Christ.
Jesus has conquered it all by His own sacrifice on the cross.
And no single gunman, no hand of a terrorist, no disease or cancer, no tragic accident, nor even the final days of our old age can ever separate us from the love and sheer grace of God. For He has set eternity in our hearts. We’re set free by His power. One final breath here on earth, is just the beginning of life evermore.
We never have to fear.
May God’s comfort and peace cover all those who grieve.
He weeps. With us. For the city of Orlando. For those who are suffering great loss right now.
And He’s here. Still. With us. Close…
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:37-39
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
Dear God,
Our hearts are grieving with the people of Orlando, for those who have lost loved ones, who have suffered such great tragedy at the hands of evil. We ask that you would be their Comforter, that you would cover them with your grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark time.
We thank you that you alone are our Refuge, our Strong Tower, our Defender, and our Peace. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and that no evil can ever stand against you. It will be defeated, it will not win. For you alone have won the final victory, and the enemy’s days are numbered.
We ask that by your mighty power, you would bring down the forces of darkness, that you would thwart the plans of all those who plot to attack and destroy, that you would draw out of darkness those souls who need to know you as Savior and Lord. We praise you for your power to set the captives free. We know that only in You do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times. For our future is secure through the sacrifice of Christ.
Thank you God that you are surely with us…thank you that you care…thank you that your Presence is close…and that you weep with those who weep. We need you. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus,
the Name Above All Names,
Amen.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Twitter and Web Site.