DEAR GOD: Always Running To Your Arms~

by C D SWANSON // January 7, 2024 // No Comments

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I am a “Daddy’s girl” always have been, always will be. As a little girl, I always ran straight into my “daddy’s arms.” He’s been gone for many years, due to an untimely medical mistake that cost him his life, but I still miss him, and will always love him. And I was blessed to have him in my life, so thank You LORD!

That being said, I am a “Daddy’s girl” for my Daddy in heaven, my LORD! I run straight to him no matter what, and even in good times I race right to his arms.

When things are happening or I’m experiencing turmoil in circumstances surrounding me – either be it family or friends-I only think to “run straight to Him!”

For He is the key for that ignites deeply within my soul to keep me going through it all.

I run on His love, His Wisdom, and His Word.

Without that I’d be “stalled on the highway of life” and I couldn’t function.

Much like a car being “dead” without the key to the ignition!

My LORD is the KEY!

Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the source of life itself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the ultimate example of how to live. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) He also said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the giver of grace and hope. He said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
He also said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

Jesus, being the key in life means that He is the only way to have a relationship with God and to receive eternal life. He also said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

Jesus is the key to life because He died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead. He paid the price for our forgiveness and opened the way for us to enter God’s presence.

Jesus is the key to life because He loves us unconditionally and invites us to follow Him. He is our Lord, our Savior, our Friend, and our King. He is the one who gives us purpose, joy, peace, and hope.

He is the one who transforms us into His image and prepares us for His glory. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

If you want to know more about Jesus being the key to life, you can read the Bible, which is God’s word and reveals His plan and love for us. You can also talk to other Christians, who can share their testimonies and experiences of following Jesus.

You can also pray to God and ask Him to show you His truth and grace. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Do you run to Him for all things? Do you feel comfort by His Spirit? Do you love Him fully and with all of your heart and soul? And finally, and most important of all – have you accepted Him as LORD and Savior in your life? He’s waiting, so then–what are you waiting for?

“Dear Father, I know that I will always find comfort in Your arms and in all You are, I will always run to You first in all of my circumstances, and believe that You are the Messiah, and my LORD and Savior, and I will never ever stray from You or Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

OUR KING & REDEEMER IS BORN~

by C D SWANSON // December 22, 2023 // No Comments

What it is REALLY all about | Nativity painting, Greg olsen art, Lds art

Matthew 1:23 – Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The light of the World born over two thousand years ago. The One who came into the world for us, still significant, still powerfully moving, and still has followers to this day.

When we take time to embrace and honor Him at what He represents to us, His children—our mere mortals minds have trouble comprehending the significance of His coming to reside with us, as He was born of the Virgin Mary.

He a Royal King, came into our world in a lowly place, a barn in a little wooden manger. Instead of a kindly bed. He was clothes with material that merely swaddled His body. He didn’t have on robes of gold or jewels adorning His crown. Instead–He was going be wearing an entirely different crown altogether, some 33 years later. A crown of thorns that He gladly accepted so He could redeem and save us all from the ugly sin of the world. The True Light of the World, JESUS CHRIST, THE KING!

“…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 12

The unblemished Lamb who was led to slaughter, suffering the worst kind of death being crucified, for us! This King was born for us. The Father—our Holy Almighty God, Adonai, Elohim, Jehovah, the Great I Am– giving His Son as a sacrifice for us.

The scene at the nativity that glorious night is one that has been told for over two thousand years. One that was predicted in the Old Testament years before Christ’s miraculous birth.

Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

How do we honor Him, or how can we possibly thank Him for all He has done, and continues to do?

We can start by spreading His Gospel, worshipping Him daily, walking in obedience to His commandments. And loving one another as Jesus loved and still loves us. That is just for starters.

Honor Him in your heart wherever you go and whatever you do. Not only at Christ-mas time. But all the days of your life. Spread cheer, bring comfort to those in need, offer help to those who are alone, and be a friend to those who have none. These are all life affirming choices and things that please the Father and honor His Son.

His book still one of the bestselling books of all time and is the reason for who we are, and why we are here. He is our purpose, and we are His purpose according to His will in all we do each day of our life.

The Light shines in the darkness and brings comfort to those who seek it.

The Light brings awareness to our being and energizes us for what we need to do, as we follow His light and path of righteousness.

This week marks the time when the Light of the world came to reside with us. We celebrate His birth and give thanks to God for His Son and His sacrifice.

The Light is our redeemer, and we share our spiritual faith with others to bring glory to Him and to bring others out of the darkness, and into the Light of lights.

As it nears the day of His miraculous birth, please let’s adore Him and honor Him through your love for others, shining your light as an example of His, and enjoy the wonder of His love.

May all of you have a Blessed Christmas and feel the joy of His Presence and love. God Bless~

“Lord, thank You for being our Light and for coming for us as our Redeemer, and Savior, Your Glory and Your love for us is everlasting, and we thank You for it, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD.
Luke 2:8-11

DEAR GOD: You Forgave Him & All Else~

by C D SWANSON // December 20, 2023 // No Comments

Hallelujah by Kelley Mooney - YouTube

As Jesus stated in the Gospel of Matthew 28:20…He will never leave us, and He hasn’t. Jesus keeps all of His promises, as does His Father, God. Jesus is with us today in the person of the Holy Spirit.

He continues to love us, guide us, hold us in times of trouble, and be an ever presence in our lives. His love keeps us alive. For it was God’s love that sent His Son to redeem us, and give us salvation, by His blood which we were saved. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for your supreme sacrifice.

Again, this is a story based on an account of what happened and what the Centurion may have been thinking as he took part in the crucifixion of Christ.

The Task –

“Out of my way…I want to see them pay.” One voice declared with abject and fiendish delight.

“Hey- Where have you been?” One of his peers yelled out.

“Just getting everything prepared.” He answered with a quiet yet shaken demeanor.

“Why are you acting so strange? You knew about this appointment for a while, what is going on with you?” His good friend asked.

“I know. It’s just…” He stared at his sack he managed to get before his mount fled.

“What?” His friend insisted.

Before he could answer he observed “them” ascending the hill. “What am I going to do?” There was no answer for him, he had an appointment and orders to follow. His hands began to shake as he opened the sack by his sandaled feet.

“Hey, what is going on with you?” His friend pulled his arm and glared into his eyes with a fierce determination to understand his reticent behavior.

He yanked his arm away from his friend’s paralyzing grip, “Go about your business-nothing is wrong.”

They locked eyes for a moment, until his friend backed away, “Okay.”

He took a deep breath. He watched the men approaching. It was unusually hot. The sun was searing his skin. He felt like he was on fire…or in the gates of hell. “What was going on?”

An acrid stench was in the still air. He was perspiring copiously. He didn’t want to accept this appointment. To disobey was not an option. He tossed and turned all night, not realizing why he was experiencing torment, and pain. He was in pure anguish!

“Okay, here you go. This is the one you are supposed to handle. I will take care of this one on the left, and your friend will take care of the one on the right.” The handler said systematically.

He turned his head and saw him. He was unrecognizable! His face bloodied and bruised. His body had open wounds from being whipped and scourged. A crown of thorns atop his matted hair intermingled with blood and dirt. He was placed upon the cross and roped with his arms spread wide…stretched to unbearable lengths. He heard his shoulders pop and felt vomit fill his mouth, as he gazed at him through tears.

He took the “items” out of the sack. Three huge tent nails. He brought the first one to his feet. His hands shaking, he looked at the man they called Jesus.

Jesus looked at him with love and compassion, “You are fulfilling the scriptures, but I feel your compassion…I have taken note of this and so has my Father.”

He wailed, “Forgive me!” as he hammered the first of three nails into Jesus. “My Lord, forgive me.” When he completed the abominable task- the wooden cross was hoisted high on Golgotha.

He glanced up sickened to witness his “handiwork” on Jesus’ feet and hands…then collapsed in a wretched heap on the ground.

He declared in sincerity, his voice quivering, “This is truly the Son of God, this is the Christ.”

DEAR GOD: You Never Let Me Down~

by C D SWANSON // December 14, 2023 // No Comments

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you-
Joshua 1:5 (NKJV)

God and His glorious Light is always shining down upon us. His warmth and capacity to love us is beyond our understanding. And He helps us with anything we may need. He especially helps us through adversity.

Adversity is a benign enough word, but the true course of its meaning can be staggering to many. Most individuals will face trials and adversity at some point in their lives During adversity an individual’s true light and character will be exposed. It is at that time when the rubber meets the road and true signs of the inner spirit will either emerge…or submerge. People can disappoint, but God never will.

Recently an issue came to the surface that allowed a snapshot of a person whom I trusted, and respected, to appear… and the snapshot was a gross distortion of what I firmly believed all along. It was truly an enlightening experience, and a sad one at that. Without going into details, suffice it to say…it was a great upheaval and a large disappointment. But I’ve prayed for this individual’s peace of mind, and for strength in the adversity that this person is facing at this time. I know I have to step back from this person, and it is with a heavy heart I do so, but there is no other recourse. Because even Jesus said, and whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them” Luke 9:5 (NKJV).

Although this individual disappointed me and let me down—and others may have done the same to all of you reading this post now. Be of good cheer, know that GOD WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN, and GOD WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT. For He is the same as He was from the beginning, and still sitting on the throne and in control. That in itself is reward for our souls and our very foundation of life.

We live in the great day when God is pouring out His Spirit on all believers in Christ, filling them and empowering them to serve Him in holiness and great joy. Have you asked the Lord to fill you today? Do so, and believe…because when adversity comes calling, you’ll be filled with His Light and peace to help you through.

“Father, thank You for Your unwavering love, promises, and truth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: YOUR WORD IS BALM TO MY SOUL~

by C D SWANSON // December 8, 2023 // No Comments

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there. But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater. So shall My word not return to Me void, But, it shall accomplish what I please, And, it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it .”
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV)

God and His promises are many, throughout the Bible, since the beginning of the earth age, and before the earth age…He is, and always was…and will always be.

His word in the beginning, in the book of Genesis, which means; “origin” or “generation” or “beginning” — God SPOKE the Word and it happened. His Word went forth from His mouth and accomplished that which He wanted.

God defined the Word, bringing things into existence, by naming things, and giving them a purpose, finally God established and blessed that which He had made, sealing the truth of His creation, through His very Word. “Let there be light;” and there was light”- Genesis 1:3.

Nothing has changed today. All things remain the same. God’s Word and promises and His peace still reigns and always shall. His Word is His Word to this day, He is on the throne and still in control. So, when we “speak His Word” it doesn’t return to Him void, He listens, and blesses those who believe, those who trust, and those who depend on Him for all of our provisions. Amen.

In His amazing Word is TRUTH, and LOVE and PEACE, and we have access to Him anytime we wish…we walk boldly into His presence, thanks to His Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed for us. Through His death and resurrection, the “veil was rent/ripped” from top to bottom, allowing us full entry into the presence of the LORD (Matt 27:50-51). Amen.

Speak the Word and believe the Word and trust the Word, for it is the very voice of God and His Character. He loves us, every single one of us, no matter what, where, how or why. He loves us unconditionally. Amen.

Speak the Word.
Learn the Word.
Love the Word.
Love the truth.
Love the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.
Amen.

The closer we grow to Him the more positive our lives and existence become. When we’re here on earth, we have things to accomplish and do. Speak His Word, truth and promises, and follow Him without fail, and watch the impact it will have on your life here. But, more important, the impact it will have on your “eternity.”

“Father, thank You for Your Word and for Your love, truth, peace and compassion, may we always speak the truth and absorb Your Word, and share it with others so they might see the light, and share in eternity, with those who believe, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I LOVE YOU & TRUST YOU~

by C D SWANSON // December 2, 2023 // No Comments

Be still and know that I am God…
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

It’s natural for issues to crop up during one’s lifetime, to be fair it wouldn’t be life without spending time in the valley. It’s all part of growing in the Lord and being a faithful follower of Christ. Not that the Lord wants His children to suffer, half the time we are the problem, and we build our OWN circumstances from lack of obedience to the Lord. No, that isn’t what I meant. What I mean to say is…we can grow in adversity and get closer to God in the meantime. It’s how we handle the cards that are in our hand that is key to our optimal health and overall growth.

It’s easy to get up and pull the “woe is me…what will I do? Nobody knows my pain…nobody knows what I’m going through. Oh…nobody understands…” So on and so forth. This is commonplace for many individuals for sure. However, it’s how you get out of it that sets us apart from the world. How do we brace ourselves in the face of a crisis? How do we pull out from the damage all around us? How do we soothe a broken heart? We CANNOT…but GOD CAN. The Lord CAN and DOES all things for all those who believe and ask.

It’s how we purpose our lives in accordance with HIS will NOT ours. It’s how we handle the stresses that crop up that will ultimately decide our fate and course of action. That is through God. We wait upon the Lord.

Don’t think He isn’t doing the same for you? He is waiting for you too!

He is watching and knowing our situation. Every single one of us, He knows what we are going through. And He is watching and waiting for our growth in Him. He wants us to learn before He brings a solution, sometimes delays are part of God’s overall plan. Part of His agenda on a larger scale. The delays that come about in our lives do not destroy us, they fulfill God’s purpose by making us stronger thereby making us better people, in Christ.

We need GOD. ALL of us do.

When we leave God out of the equation by trying to take matters into our own hands, that’s when we can get into trouble. It can be frustrating for sure. The Bible maintains in 2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

So, remember God is not in a hurry, all things on His timetable, not ours. His timing is perfect, not ours. His way is superior, ours is inferior. Our thoughts are not His thoughts, and His actions are not our actions. We need to be patient and go with His flow and wait. We will gain the insight and the fortitude in which to grow as we listen, wait and heed His ways and timing. We will reap the rewards of such diligence in time. HIS TIME. Don’t lose heart. Trust. Wait. Love Him.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

It is written that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings, as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. God promises this. His promises are real, eternal, and all part of His plan to prosper us and do good things for us. We need to figure Him in the equation of our lives. All things point to Him, and Him. We need to go into conference with HIM for all the answers. For all of our issues. For it all…Nothing is too small or too big for God. Nothing. He knows WHEN and He knows how it will come. But our faith should be relentless and unwavering, as should our trust in God. For with all of that, and with His hands of grace and love…we will get through anything.

We need to keep our eyes on the Lord and absorb His word and His essence. To all things do it by prayer and obedience in the Lord. In supplication, in joyful meditation of the Lord. And wait and trust and know He will provide the answers to your dilemmas. To all things, He will lead us out of the wilderness, and into certainty. He will turn our world upright again…His light thus shines so brightly. Follow His light, turn from the darkness. Absorb His goodness. And, above all be patient and know that He is going to supply You with provisions that will overflow and bring you into eternal rewards, Amen!

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry-Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)

DEAR GOD: Thank You For The Bridge To You~

by C D SWANSON // November 27, 2023 // No Comments

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The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

When we read Joshua, there are key elements that are glaringly apparent throughout the book. We become aware of God’s presence that energizes our work. We become critically and keenly aware of how we must TRUST GOD, and by so doing, it means trusting Him fully because He can see beyond what we can see.

We must remember that God doesn’t require us to understand His will, but in fact…simply obey it, even it is seeming unreasonable to “our mind” which is far inferior to that of our Father’s mind.

He instructs Joshua to stay in the “Word” and not to depart from His “law.”

In Joshua 1:8; the Lord states with undeniably clarity and tenacity, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”

He is reinforcing the importance of staying with His Word and Law, and doing what is required in order to fulfill His Will. And, assuring us that when we do, we will be prosperous and have good success!

This was the same command He issued to future Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:19–he was to meditate on the Word of God everyday knowledge of God’s will is crucial to doing so. And this is so to this day.

God didn’t change.

His Word didn’t change.

His Will and Law didn’t change-(Sacrificial blood ordinance changed…Jesus Blood took care of that).

His plans for our success and purpose didn’t change.

And, most especially…His love didn’t expire or change…He still loves all of His children.

He declared in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

It is so easy to focus on “our problems” which we can see, and not on God, whom we can’t see. As Joshua discovered, “God is with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, and He is with us no matter how big or how small our problem is…He is with us ALWAYS.

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He will never stop loving us.

He is a faithful and merciful God.

He will forgive us, over and over again.

Remember that Joshua knew all about adversity. He wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He was “way qualified” in the adversity department. But He never lost sight of the fact that God was with Him throughout it all. And when it was time for the people of God to cross the Jordan River, Joshua was named by God to take over.

When we go to Him in prayer, we are trusting Him and surrendering to Him. Understanding that God’s way is far different than ours is a vital and critical component in connecting with Him on so many levels.

For although He is with us, He is far above us in all aspects, and so this is why we must surrender to His will. Trust Him fully in order for Him to provide a deeper realm and open up to Him and expose yourself entirely to His hands of mercy and will.

Obedience is a “must” and a high priority in every believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk obediently before God, in His strength, and His power. Amen.

Choose to obey Him, even if you don’t understand why. He is asking you to do something…when we do, we can fully expect to become the person God is molding us to be, and to bear fruit that is highly favorable with the Lord almighty.

When we do all of this according to His will and purpose, you can expect to receive rewards that will overwhelm you with joy and love.

So, at times, we need to be still and know that He is God… in order to fulfill our purpose according to the Master.

He is God. We are His. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Be prepared and prepare to do all that He wills in your life.

“Thank You Father, for leading, guiding and directing me all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!”

DEAR GOD: THANKS BE TO YOU ALWAYS~

by C D SWANSON // November 23, 2023 // No Comments

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 (NKJV)

Today and everyday, we should give thanks unto the LORD! For He is worthy to be praised, honored, and adored. For He and He alone is the Master and Creator of the Universe and all souls!

Each day is a new day to love Him, to walk in His righteousness, and accept His unwavering love!

Each moment is another moment to fall in love with Him more and more!

Each time we rise in the morning, give Him thanks!

Pause during the day in the middle of whatever you are doing, and give Him thanks!

Surrender to His love.

Surrender to His ways.

And embrace His Word.

As most Americans celebrate this traditional holiday of “Thanksgiving” please give pause, and enormous praise to the One who makes it all happen!

THANK YOU LORD!!!

“Lord, today and everyday of my life, I lift You up, exalt You name, and give You all honor and glory, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

DEAR GOD: Why Wonder, You Will Reveal All In Your Time~

by C D SWANSON // November 19, 2023 // No Comments

Pin by Jenna Woodburn on Life's truths | Gods timing, Bible quotes, Faith

Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

When I start to say, “I wonder, if—” I have to pull those words back, step back, and know God is God, and He has it all under control, and according to His timing and will. It’s not for me to “wonder” or think about things that seem to scurry about in my mind, rambling around and around…nope, God has it all taken care of. (Be still and know I’m God…Psalm 49:10)

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we wait with conviction in our heart and soul, we become stronger in our faith as we let God be God. As we go forward we can rest in Him, and be comforted by the promises in His Word, and hold on tight to His love and protection…and His wisdom in all things concerning His children.

Romans 5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ came to this earth to “save us” and to give us the foundation and unilateral way to get to Heaven and His Father, our God. He brings us strength, resolve, and conditioning in which we exercise our inner spirit, as He dwells within all those who believe in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

My husband and I have been feeling that we need to move within the next several months. However, we haven’t received the full “message” of His timing and His will…so we are waiting for the right season…according to the LORD… to move.

Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

When it is the perfect time, it will open up. That is to say, doors of opportunity, all things will be clear. There will not be any disparaging lines in the sand, instead they will be boldly outlined for us to move forward. When things are right, and according to His plans, everything goes smoothly. Sometimes, out of nowhere—it happens, and suddenly—wham, you know it’s God’s voice speaking and leading you and directing and guiding you.

Don’t worry, don’t fret, don’t be anxious…The LORD is with you, and will working behind the scenes, when you follow Him, and trust Him, and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior—life becomes easier to navigate with Him as your GPS.

“Father, may I always recognize that You are in control of all things, that Your plans, and Your timing, and Your will are perfect, and You want what’s best for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Me Help Those Who Are Broken~

by C D SWANSON // November 16, 2023 // No Comments

7 Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

What do you do when a 97-year-old is crying that she lost her husband? How do you comfort a woman who has been married to this man who died, since she was 18 years old? How do you deal with that as a Christian while being compassionate and supportive of her needs and feelings? How can I encourage her in validating her pain, while knowing how blessed they were to have had such a long fruitful and happy life that produced, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren? How do I shield her from the “well meaning” though clueless ones who offer words like “why are you crying, he lived a long time” while she sobs out of control?

What immediately comes to my mind is Galatians 5:22–I willingly began listening to her, exhibited patience, supported her by being kind and showing her love, and offering comforting Words of the LORD, in Matthew 28:20, “…lo I am with you always, even until the end of the Age.”

Galatians5:22 –But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

I offered these words of comfort to my aunt, “It’s okay to cry and wish he were still here. You are not being unfaithful to the LORD because you wished you had more time. You know you were blessed, but it doesn’t matter to you at this very moment, because all you are thinking about is you love him, miss him, and want even another hour with him. It’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to miss him. And people with their comments are just well-meaning wishers that don’t know what else to say…”

And that is true for anyone today reading this and mourning the loss of someone you love. Feeling as if you have been gutted like a fish on a plate and feeling as if a huge part of you died along with your loved one. Because in fact you have. Being Christian doesn’t mean “we don’t have feelings” It means we believe and know where our loved ones are, where we are going when we die, but we still feel, and love them, and want them here with us!

This especially to those who lose people in the late years, where most are apt to say, “well he/she lived a long life” —the people who lose them already know this. What they need, is an arm around them as they sob. A tender ear and loving touch as they mourn the loss of their loved one. They need to know God is with them, and holding them up, and will get them through it. They shouldn’t feel guilty about missing them or wanting them with them.

Missing someone and wishing they hadn’t left doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, or don’t believe in the LORD’s promises…it means that you have a heart and soul, the way God created you.

“Father, may all those that are actively mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter the age or circumstance, be comforted by Your Words and love, and Your promises, may they be filled with Your peace and wisdom, and the assurance that they will see their loved ones again one day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Christ