Psalms 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
So how do we comfort someone who is in agonizing emotional pain? Someone who knows that life is fleeting, yet has lost someone near and dear to them? How do you reinforce their faith in God during their time of sorrow?
There are so many examples of hurt anguish and sadness. There are those who lose someone quickly and prematurely and without warning—How do you help those in this situation?
There are some who have had long fruitful lives and still don’t want to let go of their loved one. Someone who is blessed to have reached 97 years old and been married for 80 years? –How do you help those in this situation?
And then there are those who have tragically lost a child and are beyond “hearing or caring” about anything (rightfully so) –How do you help those in this situation?
Well—for all those examples above and many other scenarios of heart wrenching grief and tragic circumstances–there is one word–GOD!
Psalms 9:9-– The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
There are no words that will comfort someone in suffocating emotional pain and torment. However–God will always give us the right words to speak to those in discomfort. His Word will provide and sustain those in all stages of grief. His Word cuts right through to the very soul —“For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”- Hebrews 4:12 (KJV).
Holding someone’s hand, listening openly and without judgement, attending to their needs are all part of caring, and all align with His Word. Actions sometimes are bigger than words. But God’s Word always will be a moral compass in our handling of individual’s hurting, and caring is a big part of our Christianity.
When we take the time to really open our own hearts to those in need, in pain, and in times of chaotic and emotional upheaval, we are doing what we are called to do as Christians…Love one another…as Jesus commanded us to do (John 13:34).
When we do all these things not only will we be following His Word and obedient to Christ–we are drawing nearer to Him and the enemy will flee (James 4:8).
God knows all and obviously sees all. He even keeps tracks of all our tears we’ve shed. He knows the exact count! Psalms 56:8 – You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
He is our stronghold in all times, good and bad. He encourages us and welcomes us to go to Him for all of our troubles, and He continuously assures us that He will care for us and protect us, and never leave us (Matthew 28:20).
He constantly reinforces that we can trust Him and take refuge in us. Nahum 1:7-– The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
Helping someone through a crisis, a death, a loss of magnitude is best provided when you seek Him and His Word. He will never fail to give you the right thing to say, or NOT to say. He will guide and lead you into all manner of speaking and actions. He is the curator of our whole existence. Trust Him and ask Him for help.
Helping people through issues is never easy, but with God in your corner rest assured that eventually their troubles and weeping will come to a halt. And His joy and Presence will overtake any sorrows a person is experiencing, eventually.
Psalms 30:5 …Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
“Father, may I provide the comfort and grace that only You can bring, through Your Word and spirit, may I ease someone’s burden today and everyday by Your example, and Your love as I navigate life’s highway, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Follow