The apostle Paul writes,
I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us. In fact, all creation is eagerly waiting for God to show who His children are. Meanwhile, creation is confused, but not because it wants to be confused. God made it this way in the hope that creation would be set free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of His children. We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman to give birth.
The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are His children. This means that our bodies will also be free. And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God’s people. We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for His purpose, and He has always known who His chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like His own Son, so that His Son would be the first of many children. God then accepted the people He had already decided to choose., and He has shared His glory with them. (Romans 8:18-30)
God Will Comfort and Heal You
Lean on God for comfort, healing and strength. In the same way God comforts you, you can give comfort and help to those who are experiencing similar grief for a loved one passing. You can share what you are feeling with others. Giving and receiving comfort can ease your burden and provide you and others in your community with hope, encouragement and the strength to endure.
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort He gives. We suffer in the hope that we will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Words of Assurance
“I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)
What new things do you see happening around you? What gives you hope? Can you sense God’s presence in what is taking place? Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my; fortress; You are my God, and I trust in You.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Prayer
“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
In His Service,
Constance A. Burns
NAAV, Inc. Spiritual Wellness Volunteer Contributors; email: cburns@naavets.org.