Sometimes in this crazy, mixed up world, when our hearts are grieving and we’ve suffered devastating blows, when loss feels too deep, and the battle seems fierce, the most comforting words of all are just these 2:
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
The shortest verse in the Bible, yet one that holds such great power. That allows us to see straight into the very heart of our God whose heart beats for us. Into the compassion of our Savior who is acquainted with grief and understands deep sorrow. Into the very Spirit of God who covers us, is with us constantly, and breathes life into our innermost being.
He wept. He hurt. He grieved. He experienced loss. He felt compassion. He understood this path of suffering.
And He’s already won. He’s victorious. He holds the keys over death. Here’s truth in all the craziness of this world from the God who made us and hold all things in His power today:
He knows all.
He’s with us.
And He wins over evil.
Death never holds the final victory for one who is set free by Christ.
Jesus has conquered it all by His own sacrifice on the cross.
And no tragedy or loss, no disease or cancer, no terrorist threat, no evil plan, nor even the final days of our old age can ever separate us from the love and sheer grace of God. For He has set eternity in our hearts. We’re set free by His power. One final breath here on earth, is just the beginning of life evermore.
We never have to fear.
May God’s comfort and peace cover all those who grieve.
He weeps. With us. For those who are suffering great loss right now.
And He’s here. Still. With us. Close…
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:37-39
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
Dear God,
Our hearts are grieving with all those who are hurting right now, for those who have lost loved ones, who have suffered such great tragedy. We ask that you would be their Comforter, that you would cover them with your grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark time.
We thank you that you alone are our Refuge, our Strong Tower, our Defender, and our Peace. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and that nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your word, that you will be with us through the floods, through the fire, through any hardship we may face.
We ask that by your mighty power, you would bring down the forces of darkness, that you would thwart the plans of the enemy who plots to attack and destroy, that you would draw out of darkness those souls who need to know you as Savior and Lord. We praise you for your power to set the captives free. We know that only in You do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times. For our future is secure through the sacrifice of Christ.
Thank you God that you are surely with us…thank you that you care…thank you that your Presence is close…and that you weep with those who weep. We need you. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus,
the Name Above All Names,
Amen.
This is simply beautiful. Not not simply, very complex and intertwined with devastation and loss and peace and joy. Debbie, I wonder if somehow we are connected. We have the same last name. I praise God for the inspiration of your writing this piece, for it says what needs to be said. Thank you. Jolita McDaniel