Ministering to the Bereaved: Peace and Confidence
Friday, August 20, 2021
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 AMP
Thoughts for Today
Physical death is not the only loss in life with which we must learn to cope. Other losses bring intense pain as well. Some are sudden; others are gradual. Either way, they demand our attention and bring pain into our lives. You have probably experienced at least one of these other kinds of losses in your life. These difficult times might include divorce, miscarriage, post-abortion distress, job loss, moving, natural disaster … and a host of other things.
In today's Scripture, Jesus cautions us not to be surprised when we have problems — "tribulations and trials and distress and frustration." That is part of life on this earth. He lived among us and faced much tribulation, but we can be encouraged because he overcame the world — and he will help us through every trial we might have to face. In him we can have "perfect peace and confidence" — even amidst the storm.
Consider this …
God might give you the opportunity to minister to others who have suffered a difficult loss. This week we've discussed some principles for helping people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Many of those same principles can be adapted to help people struggling in other situations. As we learn to experience peace and confidence in Jesus though every situation, we will be more prepared to help others do the same.
Prayer
Father, thank you that no matter what is going on around us, because of Jesus we can experience peace and confidence. Teach me to trust in you in every situation … and to help others who are experiencing trials. 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. As a person goes through this group they will be able to identify what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. To grieve is human; how to grieve Christianly is supernatural. It requires us to invite the Holy Spirit to guide us through the grieving process. This study also provides guidance in the use of Scripture to help the grieving. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss and comfort to those who have faced loss.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org