Grief: Finding Comfort in Biblical Faith and Community

Grief:  Finding Comfort in Biblical Faith and Community

God's Comfort When You're Dealing With Grief

Grief is something we all experience from time to time.  Even so, grief can make us feel overwhelmed and isolated.  Whether it comes from the loss of a loved one, a beloved pet, a broken relationship, or an major life change, the emotional turmoil can make us feel lost and alone.  During seasons of grief, we can find comfort in Biblical faith and community.  

Understanding Grief through a Spiritual Lens

Grief doesn't come and go in a day.  It takes time.  Grief is more like a journey that takes us down paths of various emotions - sadness, anger, confusion, and eventually relief.  The Bible speaks of grief and loss.  It's part of our human experience, but in John 16:20, Jesus assures us that we will grieve, but our grief will be turned to joy.  Grief is not the end or our journey.  It's a step towards healing and hope.

Truly, truly I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy! - John 16:20

Finding Comfort in Scripture

Grief will come at times and when it does, turning to Scripture provides comfort and reassurance.  Psalm 34:18 tells us that "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  This verse reminds us that we are never alone in our suffering.  God is present in our pain.  Meditating on verses like these bring peace to our troubled hearts and remind us that it's okay to grieve while also seeking healing in the Lord.

Prayer as a Source of Strength

The best way to find strength in our grief is through prayer.  How amazing is it that we can go straight to the Creator of the universe with our suffering.  He is always ready for an open conversation with His children.  We can express our deepest feelings, fears, and anxieties directly to Him.  When we pray, we can speak to God straight from our hearts.  Sharing our burdens with God lightens our emotional load.  Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God, assuring us that His peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

The Role of Community

Sometimes, our comfort in the midst of grief comes from people God has placed in our lives.  God works through those around us.  I can't say this enough on this blog.  We were not made to navigate this world alone.  We were made for community.  Becoming part of a Christ centered church family provides for us a nurturing environment for faith filled support and healing.  Church families provide us with prayers, encouragement, and practical support during our seasons of grief.

Embracing the Grieving Process

Part of the healing process is allowing ourselves to feel and express what we're going through.  Grief can be consuming, but acknowledging our feelings is a vital part of healing.  God understands our pain and He invites us to bring it directly to Him.

Hope in the Midst of Grief

When grief feels like a dark tunnel with no end, there is a light at the end, and that light is the Lord.  We can allow ourselves to grieve, but also allow ourselves to heal through prayer, Scripture, and the support of our church community.  Remember that you are not alone.  God walks with you every step of the way.

Grief:  A 7 Day Mini Devotional Journal

Grief: A 7 Day Mini Devotional Journal

"Grief is a journey that touches everyone at some point in life. It is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience, but it is not a journey you must walk alone. God’s Word provides comfort, strength, and hope for those navigating the valleys of sorrow and loss.

This 7-day devotional journal is designed to help you draw closer to God in your grief, find His peace, and experience His healing presence.

Each day, you will find a carefully chosen scripture, a reflection to guide your thoughts, and a journaling prompt to help you process your emotions and connect with God. As you engage with this devotional, take your time to sit in God’s presence and allow Him to minister to your heart. Whether your grief is fresh or long-standing, know that God sees you, loves you, and walks with you every step of the way.

May this devotional be a source of comfort, encouragement, and renewal as you lean on God’s promises and discover His faithfulness in your time of need." (7 Day Mini Devotional Journal on Grief)

I think Grief:  A 7 Day Mini Devotional will help you begin to manage grief while bringing you into a deeper relationship with the Lord through Scripture and journaling.  You can download it now and get started right away.

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Grief:  Finding Comfort in Biblical Faith and Community

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Practical Ways You Can Contribute to Hurricane Disaster Relief Efforts

Practical Ways You Can Contribute to Hurricane Disaster Relief Efforts

In the wake of devastating hurricanes, many people are looking for ways to support disaster relief organizations and help those affected by the storms. Here are some practical ways you can contribute to hurricane disaster relief efforts:

1. Donate to reputable organizations: 

Research and donate to well-established disaster relief organizations that have a proven track record of providing aid to affected communities. Organizations like:

Samaritan's Purse

Adventures in Missions

Habitat for Humanity

Your Local Church

2. Volunteer your time: 

If you're able to, consider volunteering with local or national organizations that are organizing relief efforts. From packing and distributing supplies to providing support services, volunteers play a crucial role in helping communities recover from hurricanes.

3. Organize a fundraiser: 

You can make a meaningful impact by organizing a fundraiser in your community to support hurricane relief efforts. Whether it's a bake sale, charity run, or online crowdfunding campaign, fundraising events can raise significant funds to support disaster relief organizations.

4. Donate essential supplies: 

Many relief organizations are in need of essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, clothing, and hygiene products. Consider organizing a supply drive in your community to collect these items and donate them to organizations actively involved in hurricane relief efforts.

5. Spread awareness: 

Use your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness about the ongoing need for hurricane disaster relief. By sharing information about reputable relief organizations and highlighting the specific needs of affected communities, you can encourage others to contribute to the relief efforts.

6. Support local businesses in affected areas: 

One impactful way to support hurricane-affected communities is by patronizing local businesses in those areas. By spending your money at local shops, restaurants, and businesses, you can contribute to the economic recovery of these communities.

There are numerous ways to support hurricane disaster relief organizations and make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by these natural disasters. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or fundraising, every contribution plays a vital role in helping communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of hurricanes.

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Healing from a Broken Relationship: A Christian Perspective

Healing from a Broken Relationship: A Christian Perspective

Relationships are so crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Healthy relationships provide us with love, support, and companionship. Close friends walk with us through life's ups and downs, and they are an important source of truth when we need to hear it.  However, when a relationship breaks, it can leave us feeling heartbroken and lost. As Christians, we are called to navigate these heartbreaking times with faith and grace, leaning on the wisdom and comfort found in Scripture. Here are some biblical principles to help us deal with a broken relationship.

Trust in God's Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." It’s natural to feel your world is falling apart when a relationship ends. However, God assures us that He has a plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in His plan can provide peace and hope amidst the pain. For instance, you can start by praying for guidance and then actively seeking opportunities for personal growth and healing.

This home decor piece featuring the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 is available here.

Seek Comfort in Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool for healing. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Pour out your heart to God, sharing your hurt and seeking His comfort. Prayer not only brings you closer to God but also helps in relieving the emotional burden you carry.

This home decor piece featuring the Bible verse, Philippians 4:6-7, is available here.

Embrace Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Holding onto bitterness and resentment can hinder your healing process. While it may be challenging, strive to forgive those who have hurt you. This act of grace not only follows Christ’s example but also frees you from the chains of anger and pain.

These fabric bookmarks featuring Ephesians 4:32 are available here.

Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Lean on your Christian community during this hurtful time. Whether it’s friends, family, or church members, having a supportive system of others who love and care for you can provide encouragement, strength, and a sense of belonging and value. Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your struggles; sometimes, talking about your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic.

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Reflect and Learn

Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Reflect on your relationship and consider what lessons you can learn from it. This period of reflection can be an opportunity for significant personal growth and spiritual development. Trust that God can use even painful experiences to make you stronger, wiser, and more compassionate, filling your future with hope and promise.

This home decor piece featuring Romans 8:28 is available here.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is crucial during this time. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." Stay active in activities that help keep you emotionally and physically healthy, such as exercise, hobbies, or leisure time in nature. Maintaining a healthy routine can also provide a sense of normalcy and stability.

Look Forward with Hope

Psalm 34:18 offers comfort, stating, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." While it’s important to acknowledge and process your pain, it’s equally important to look forward with hope. God’s love and grace are always present, guiding you toward a future filled with new opportunities and blessings.

Dealing with a broken relationship is never easy. Still, as Christians, we can turn to our faith for strength and guidance. By trusting in God's plan, seeking comfort in prayer, embracing forgiveness, surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, reflecting and learning, taking care of ourselves, and looking forward with hope, we can get through this challenging time with grace and resilience. Remember, you are not alone—God is with you, now and always, providing comfort and reassurance in your journey.

May God’s peace and love be with you during this time of healing.

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10 Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday takes place this year on January 19, 2020.  This is a day set aside to celebrate the value of human life.  Traditionally, people focus on the value of the life of the unborn child but we must also remember our elderly and our special needs children and adults.  This is a day to hone in on the meaning of Psalm 139:13-14.

10 Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

 Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:13-14

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made:  This item is available here.

Think about that for a minute.  God formed our inward parts.  We were woven in our mothers' wombs.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made by the One who works wonders and miracles.  Isn't that awesome?  

Years ago, when we first began to celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, many Christians and others who believe in life at conception would gather on the side of sidewalks and hold signs silently.  The signs would usually say something like "Abortion Kills Children" or "Abortion is Murder."  Some of the signs would simply display the Bible verse above.  Regardless of what was printed or written on the sign, there was to be no loud protesting or unruly behavior.  People just stood silently holding signs.  I participated a time or two.  This type of celebration or silent protest is well taken in my generally conservative community.  

Last year, I noticed that there are still people who recognize Sanctity of Human Life Sunday by holding signs on sidewalks and that is fine because we do need to boldly defend the lives of unborn children but there are several other ways to recognize and celebrate this important day as well.  Here are several ways you can recognize the value of human life while taking action that benefits your community.

1.  Volunteer at your local pregnancy care center.  

Several months ago, I began volunteering at my local pregnancy care center.  If you feel comfortable doing so, you can volunteer to speak with patients.  Not everyone who comes to our center is a female seeking abortion.  We also see women and men who come in for STD testing.  Of course, we help pregnant women understand the value of the life they carry.  For those who come in for STD testing, we talk to them about their sexual behavior and God's design for intimacy, abstinence, and marriage.  Most pregnancy care centers require training for patient advocates.

If you want to volunteer at your local pregnancy care center but you are not comfortable speaking with patients, you can volunteer for other needs.  If your center offers support for women and children, perhaps you can help organize baby clothing, diapers, bottles, and the many other things babies need.  If your center offers educational materials, perhaps you can organize the training materials and keep folders stocked with appropriate materials so they are ready when the women come in.

2.  Host a baby shower for your pregnancy care center.  

My Bible Fellowship Class recently hosted a baby shower for the center where I volunteer.  Class members brought in both new and gently used baby clothes, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, strollers, portable cribs, bottles, pacifiers, crib sheets, burp cloths, a few toys - anything you would take to a baby shower for a friend would be a great contribution.

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3.  Host a fund raiser for your pregnancy care center.  

Pregnancy care centers provide so much support for patients that there are always needs.  Hosting a fundraiser will give the center the funds they need to supply any need.  Sometimes they need a new printer or other clerical supplies for the center's office.  Perhaps the nurses need to replace medical supplies.  General funds will give the center the opportunity to purchase needs the the general public might not know about.

4.  Support a young mother who has opted to keep her baby or complete her pregnancy.  

If you know a woman who has chosen to not have an abortion, offer her support.  Pay for her doctor appointments.  Provide here with transportation.  Take her nutritious grocery items to help keep her and her baby healthy.  Pay her utility bills.  Provide her with gas cards and other gift cards so that she can purchase needed items.  Offer to babysit after the baby is born.
If the mother has chosen adoption, offer to provide any needs she might have during her pregnancy and the adoption process.

5.  Hose a showing of the movie, Unplanned.  

Show the movie at your church or in your home.  Invite everyone you know to come see the movie with you.  I have personally seen this movie.  In my opinion, every person on the planet should see it.  It is eye opening in so many ways and on so many levels.  I really don't have the words to describe how important it is for you and everyone you know to see this movie.  Just get it and show it.

 

Unplanned Movie:  This item is available here.

6.  Host a viewing of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Answers in Genesis has recently updated a DVD by Dr. David Menton.  It is called Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.  I have not personally seen this movie but according to Answers in Genesis, viewers get a peek into the stages of human development, particularly the very early stages.

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7.  Plan a trip to the Creation Museum.  

My family has visited the Creation Museum twice and it is a site to see.  Everyone should go at least once, but multiple trips are recommended because they are always updating and adding features and exhibits.  This summer, they will open up their new exhibit called the Sanctity of Life Exhibit.  

8.  Help with the elderly.

Remember that all life is precious in the site of God.  Volunteer at a nursing home or rehabilitation center in your area.  Many elderly men and women can no longer drive.  Offer to take an elderly person to the grocery store, to a doctor's appointment, or to church.  Take an elderly neighbor a meal.  If you know an elderly person who is lonely, set aside a regular time to sit with him or her.  Sometimes, just sitting with someone and talking with him or her for a little while can greatly improve his or her quality of life.

9.  Start a respite program or something similar in your church.

Some churches have a respite program.  The one we have at our church meets once per month.  A respite program provides a safe place for families to leave their special needs children in well trained hands while they run errands or take care of other family needs.  Sometimes Mom and Dad need a few hours to take a break or go on a date.  This service has been helpful to families in my church for many years.  If you have a special needs loved one, then you already know how important this time is for families.  If you have never been exposed to special needs families, then trust me.  This is huge.  Contact your church administration to see if your church offers respite care for special needs families.  If not, then maybe you can start one.  If your church already has one, then go hang out with them for a while and offer to help.  Depending on the needs of the families taking advantage of this time, you might need additional training, but there are always things you can do without the need for training.

10.  Keep helping all year long.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is recognized annually, but all the needs listed above are year long needs.  The things I've listed here are only of few of the things I know about.  I'm sure there are mountains of things we can do all year long to minister to parents of unborn children, young families, adoptive families, special needs children, special needs adults, and the elderly members of our communities.  Get plugged in somewhere whether it be your church, a pregnancy center, a community center, a nursing home, a rehab center, or any other place where volunteers are needed to serve your community.  

Of course, pray.  Pray for the people God places in your path.  Many of them do not have a relationship with Jesus and you are someone who can present the gospel to them.

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The Joy of Authentic Community

We recently enjoyed a special Ladies Night at our church.  Our pastor spoke on the topic of “The Joy of Authentic Community.”   The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Image Credit – StockSnap – CCO Public Domain Image – via Pixabay

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)

We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.  Rick Warren

Authentic Community - Points to Ponder

God is all about joy and so desires to give it to us in abundance.

God is not a kill-joy.  He is a giver of joy.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  John 15:11

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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Authenticity is rare which is why it is so desirable and valuable.

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.  1 Thessalonians 2:8

The didn’t share the scriptures only, but they shared themselves.

True community is rooted in the gospel and embraces acceptance and rejects exclusion.

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,  so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.  Romans 15:5-7

Do good to our enemies.

God's Word gives a perfect picture of the joy of authentic community as seen in Acts 2:42-47.

*Expressing Love and Receiving Love

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.  C.S. Lewis

The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and  perturbations of love is Hell.  C.S. Lewis

 *Trust and Transparency

All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Acts 2:44

*Serve One Another

. . . and we’re sharing them with all, as anyone had need.”  Acts 2:45

 *Grace Flowing and Contagious Joy

Every day they continued to meet together . . . broke bread in homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.  Acts 2:46-47

Are you personally experiencing the joy of authentic community?  Are you promoting it in your own life?

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