All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!
Father of all mercy!
God of all healing counsel!
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 (The Message)
Healing Comfort
I stumbled into your arms tonight, Lord.
My heart plunges even further shattered in disbelief; in pieces that can’t be put back together.
Lord, this evil that pervades the world overwhelms us at times.
Wickedness darkens our life by snuffing out too many candles, much too soon.
I am weary of senseless violence, Lord.
Eradicate evil and grant us Your Goodness.
Today I hold my kids a little longer.
Tomorrow I will snuggle my precious grandkids.
But some have empty arms now.
Help us remember each day that life is fragile and fleeting.
Open our eyes to see others around us who are hurting, lost, despondent.
Help us find nonviolent paths from brokenness to wholeness, from desperation to hope.
May our prayers and quiet presence comfort others.
Flood our communities with grace in this hour of intense anguish and blinding emotions.
I can’t imagine a better Christmas gift right now, Lord, than Your love, peace and presence wrapped around the world.
At first I wasn’t going to write anything either. No words are adequate but this prayer just bubbled out.
Thanks for this. I couldn’t even write anything about it. I had no words. So I am glad to read your’s!!
Hi Michelle, Are we so blessed to a God who comforts us and a community of believers to be present for us in difficult times?
Beautiful verses, beautiful prayer, Jean. Grateful for you (and this comfort) today.
Thanks Barbie. Sometimes no words are the best and just praying for others are only recourse. Hope will come again. Have a blessed week!
What a beautiful prayer. I am asking the Father to wrap these families up in blankets of love, peace and grace, and especially HOPE, that only Jesus can give.
Chris you leave such thoughtful comments. I do appreciate your words and your photos! God does provide doesn’t He? I know I tend to be a loner, “I can do it myself” type but time after time things are so much better when a companion and a friend is present. Blessings on your Christmas season, Chris
Yes come quickly Lord. Thanks for commenting. I know walking along side others in times like these does help. Blessings on your week
Thank you Gayle. coming together in community in times like these does seem to help a little.
Thank you Mia. I certainly agree too often we stumble trying to find words when just holding a hand and listening will do. Have a blessed week.
At time the Message opens up a verse to new light for me. I do like checking it as an alternate versions. Thanks for stopping by today and leaving a comment
Thank you for commenting Helen. Coming together as a community does help.
Yes come quickly Lord. We need you!
Yes our Savior reigns and will be with us through all of life. Thanks for commenting Marty
Hi Jean:
The Prayer at the start said:
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
Growing up I relied on my friends, because I was faced w/many challenges. God placed people in my life who were always there for me, friends I could count on, friends who listened, friends who were my rock.
Several years ago, someone came into my life who needed support, who needed a friend who could lift them up, who could cheer for them. I sincerely believe that God put this person in my life to balance out the scales.
—
Chris
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. thanks for your timely, gentle words of hope.
Hi Jean
Yes, I agree with your words that we should walk alongside them withour quiet presence. People can often say to many words in situations like this. Let us be there with our quiet presence.
Bless you
Mia
A beautiful needed prayer. Amen…
Thank you for your prayer and for that Bible verse. The Message puts it in language that speaks to me today!
thank you for this post, Jean
Amen and AMEN. Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Our hope, our comfort, our peace comes from knowing that this world is under his feet…the Savior rules and reigns and there will be a day that He will wipe away every tear.