This is the time of year when people can be plagued with negative emotions — dragging them off toward depression. The enemy of their souls would like nothing better than for them to be tearful and full of concentration on their losses. It’s a time to remember this scripture:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (AMP) — Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
A look outward will show us that many need to be comforted in this hour. And, the Holy Spirit has a way of prompting us to do things that will cheer others. It’s not about a bottle of wine – no, that’s looking to a solution other than God for comfort (just one example). But, it is about pointing others to the comfort of the Lord that surpasses all other solutions. There are so many ways to do this . . . but in-person contact is one of the best. In this age of computers and phones, getting in touch has caused isolation for many.
Matthew 11:28 (AMP) — “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].
How can you help someone who has been laboring and weighed down by life from a wrong perspective? Help them remember God’s promises. Help them focus on God’s character — God is love!
Or, perhaps you know someone who is sick:
Psalm 119:49-50 (AMP) — Remember [always] the word and promise to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction that Your word has revived me and given me life.
How about taking healing scriptures to someone who needs it? God’s Word is powerful!
Don’t forget those who have recently lost a loved one:
Isaiah 61:1 (AMP) — The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news . . . to the brokenhearted,
Christians need to be an example of trusting God during these times to avoid overwhelming grief. We are agents of hope in God’s hands.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (AMP) — Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life].
And don’t forget those who are happy – those encouragers of others — because they really need you to reach out to them:
Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP) — Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
You do the seeking first . . .
and then GO!!!!!!!!!
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