Pastor Dewey Moede: This past weekend, while on my ministry rounds, I met several folks who are grieving, from Socorro to Pie Town, New Mexico. Always be aware that someone in your midst may be grieving the loss of a loved one. We grieve hard because we love hard. I know, because I have been grieving for my sister who lost her husband three years ago. It has been very hard for my sister, Deb. Please keep her in your prayers. Never, ever, tell someone to ‘just get over it.’ If you are grieving, I recommend that you dig into the messages of Gary Roe.
Loss is terribly painful. The grief journey can be very challenging.
Here’s another Grief Affirmation for you:
I’m discouraged.
I hang my head. I find myself looking at the ground a lot.
Nothing seems to be going well or right.
When we’re grieving, discouragement is always right around the corner.
When I think of discouragement, I think of losing heart. My emotions sink. My sense of hope diminishes. A bleakness of mind and heart begins to pervade my being.
I’m reminded of David in 1 Samuel 30. He was facing an incredibly tough situation full of grief (you can read about it in 1 Samuel 30:1-5).
Here’s what David chose to do: “And David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6, ESV)
What would it mean to strengthen yourself – encourage yourself – in the Lord today?
For me, it means reminding myself of what I know to be true from what God has said in His Word.
He is with me. He goes before me. He is at work in all things for my good and for His purposes.
Because I know Christ, He lives in me, and I live in Him. The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.
I am unconditionally and perfectly loved by my perfect heavenly Father. I am accepted, forgiven, cleansed, and redeemed.
His grace is sufficient for me – His undeserved favor and power for daily life. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
My strength and abilities are always insufficient. Christ strength and abilities are always more than sufficient, and He lives in me.
“And David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”
As we are grieving, let us encourage ourselves, strengthen ourselves, in Him today. He is our courage and our strength.
Affirmation: When I am discouraged, I will remind myself of what is true and encourage myself in God.
Be kind to yourself today.
Until next time,
Gary
Gary Roe – Author, Pastor, Grief Specialist
Website: https://www.garyroe.com
Bookstore: https://www.garyroe.com/books
