I want to offer a word of comfort and encouragement today for those who are suffering, who’ve had a loss, and who are going through something really difficult. Those who are trying to trust God when what’s happening in your life just don’t make any sense. You know, I often say that trust requires that we have some unanswered questions, but I know that sometimes when you want answers really, really bad and there aren’t any, that it is difficult.

I want to encourage you not to run from God in your pain but run to Him because He is the God of all comfort. God wants to comfort you right now. He wants you to know that He loves you, that it’s not too late for you to begin again. God will heal you. He will heal your wounded soul. He will comfort your emotions. God cares so much about you, and His grace is available to you right now to help you. You know, many things that we go through, we can not possibly handle them on our own. But grace enables us. It gives us the power to do what we need to do.

‭‭” Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV )

My 🙏🏽 Prayer…
Dear Heavenly Father, no words describe how incredibly grateful we are for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. So many distractions in this world, especially during Christmas, keep us focused on You. Thank you for preparing our hearts and minds as we celebrated the arrival of your son and, ultimately, the second coming, when all will be made new.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones and deeply feel the weight of grief during the holiday season. We pray for those experiencing family tension and strife, that their conversations may be filled with compassion, and forgiveness is offered quickly to those who offend. We pray for those experiencing health issues, financial crises, wayward children, and general unrest. May you quiet their hearts and minds, comforting and offering peace only you can give.

We ask, Lord, that we practice patience, humility, love, and forgiveness to all who cross our paths, not just in December but year around. May our actions draw people closer to You, let our words be a calming balm to a hurt soul, let us give generously to those in need, and bear one another’s burdens, always remembering to pray in your name.

We love you, Lord; forgive us when we sin against you; help us to be more like you tomorrow than we were today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

‭‭”Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” [Jude 1: 24-25 NKJV]