As we wake up in the arms of our loved ones and in our warm homes, there are many today in the Northern part of Nigeria who will be unable to feel these little pleasures of life this morning and for many other mornings. A senseless war ongoing in these parts is steadily obliterating livelihoods and families, creating a refugee crisis and poverty. Today I welcome you to the house of mourning, as I bring God’s comforting words to those (and we all) who mourn today.
Our text is taken is from Ecclesiastes 7:2
”It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting for that is the end of all men and the living will take it to heart.”
Losing loved ones can be traumatic, especially when it’s sudden and you don’t get a chance to say goodbye. If you have lost someone recently or you are still grieving for a loved one, be comforted by these three things;
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:13-14(NKJV)
We will see them again. The scripture above comforts us with the hope of seeing our loved ones who have died in the Lord. The key word there is ‘died in the Lord.’ The pain of separation is intense and it is best to take it one day at a time, but we cannot mourn like we have no hope. The message translation says we shouldn’t carry on like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word! If you read all the way down to verse 18, it gives you a further assurance of the resurrection of the dead at the second coming of Jesus Christ. This has been my consolation and comfort.
Jesus knows and feels our grief. Remember that the Lord knows exactly what we are passing through and walks this journey of mourning with us, assuring us of His unfailing love and His comforting Spirit. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 4: 15 that Jesus is in touch with our emotions. He understands and has gone through these various situations. He knows exactly what you are going through. He is walking you through the grief because He has been there before.
Lastly, you are a vessel to be used by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 4-5 (MSG) says, ”God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” So don’t waste your pain!! Use it to bless others. That’s God’s ultimate purpose.
Prayer: Lord, today I thank you for the blessing me with (insert loved one’s name) and the opportunity of knowing and loving her/him. Thank you for the comfort through the Holy Spirit in this time of mourning. I receive your love in Jesus name Amen.
Charge: Comfort one another through trials and affliction. Today, seek out someone going through something you have gone through and comfort them with the comfort that God has given/shown you. Pray for Nigeria and all those in mourning. May God’s peace fill our hearts daily.
Peace and Love
Oge Funlola Modie
Jesus Girl
Oge is the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and Coordinator of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ Project Management Office.
She is a prolific writer with a weekly devotional called WellSpring of Life.
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