He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
— Revelation 22:20 (NKJV) —
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
— Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) —
I lost thirteen beloved coworkers on December 2 and I continue to mourn their loss. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (John 14:16, KJV) and I have been actively praying for the Comforter to help me in this grieving process. I have also been comforted by the knowledge that Christ understands my sadness. He was called a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). When He lost his dear friend Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). I know when I cry, Jesus feels and understands my anguish.
One of my favorite authors, Ellen White, wrote the following about today’s verse.
The blessed Saviour…longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. He has loved us with an everlasting love and with loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace. Think of this, children of suffering and sorrow, and rejoice in hope. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.
— Excerpt from the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 12.
Reader, I do not know what you may be going through in your life right now, but Jesus does. He is always with you. Have faith in Him. He will help you with whatever trial or struggle you are facing. Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you, and He will. Jesus is coming again VERY soon, and in heaven we will never sorrow or mourn again. What a glorious day that will be!!
We love how this verse focuses on the Creator and how the holy angels worship Him. Isn’t it amazing that we can lift up our voices in praise to Jesus too, along with the angel chorus? What an incredible thought!
You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.
— Nehemiah 9:6 (NKJV) —
We love this verse! The apostle Paul wrote about letting the peace of God rule in our hearts. And then he also said to be thankful! Being thankful to Jesus and cultivating a spirit of trust and gratitude can actually facilitate peace in your heart! What are you thankful for today? Join us in praising Christ for His many blessings!
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
— Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) —
Today we are praising the Lord for His wonderful, marvelous grace and for His sacrifice on the cross so that we can be saved eternally. Photography by Amanda’s dear friend Joe Krygier, who has generously contributed to Peace for the Storm.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.