Life is the prompt word for #FiveMinuteFriday. I’m a little late with mine, though I started it on Friday and had to put it aside. And I’m sure it took more than five minutes. But here it is. What first came to mind were the words of Jesus telling us that He came so that we could live life more abundantly.
John 10:10 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Life Can Be Hard
So many things would try to steal our joy, to make our lives miserable. Loss of job, injuries, loss of loved ones, a scary diagnosis – these are just a few of the ways life can change unexpectedly.
Facing them alone would seem almost impossible. The enemy would like nothing better than for us to turn away from God and give up in despair. He wants to make our lives miserable. But the enemy does not have the last word.
Jesus Cares About My Life
I am so thankful that Jesus came, not as a thief, but as a Savior. With Him it is possible to live life with joy in abundance. I don’t mean keeping a smile on my face pretending everything is okay when it isn’t. What I do mean is that He is with me through whatever hardship comes my way. He brings comfort.
Deep down I can have joy, knowing that God understands my hurt and sorrow.
The sorrow doesn’t just magically go away, but I can face it with His strength and help. And not just face it but walk through it, knowing God is with me. One recent example is the death of my son. There is no way I could have peace and joy in my grief, if I did not know Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
We are instructed not to worry but to take everything to God who will give us His peace which is beyond our understanding. And then we are told to keep our minds on things that are good and right and worthy of praise. When I do this I am able to have a heart of gratitude.
And so even when things get hard, my life can still be lived with joy and peace in Christ.
Philippians 4:6-8(CSB)
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
What about you? How do you cope when life seems anything but abundant?
I pray that you will find peace and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One who can fill our deepest needs.
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #InspireMeMonday, #TellHisStory, #Grace&Truth
Gayl, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing that even in the death of loved ones you can have life and hope. I do believe your sharing of Philippians 4:8 is key. What we think on influences everything.
Jerralea, you are so right about how what we think really does influence everything else. Thank you for visiting. Blessings to you!
There is no time limit on grief. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us. Your words are a comfort.
Thank you, Melissa. Yes, there is not time limit. I’m glad my words were a comfort. Blessings and love to you!
Yes Gayl, when we lose a child, it’s only God’s love through Jesus that gives us His comfort, peace & strength to go on in our grief.
I’m saddened to hear you lost your son too…
Sending you a hug from one who understands,
Jennifer
Jennifer, thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear that you lost your son, too. Yes, I know you understand. Love, hugs and blessings to you! xo
Dear Gayl, thank you so much for sharing from within your own sorrow, about the precious gift of comfort that God has given. Thank you for walking out that trust and joy in the Lord, as a precious gift for all of us to see. May I put my hope in God, and lean on His Word also. He truly brings strength when we have none of our own. You remain in my prayers so much, dear friend. Blessings love and hugs to you! xo
Dear Bettie, thank you for your love and prayers and also your encouragement. Yes, God really does bring us strength. Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, my dear friend! xoxo
“through Christ our comfort overflows”: oh how we see that through you, Gayl. As He holds your hand and walks you through this deep valley, you are overflowing with His love and comfort for us all. So many of your gratitude journal pages have brought such comfort to my heart too. May our God continue to sustain you and bring beauty from the ashes, as He continues to reveal Himself through His Word to you daily. Bless you for your heart of worship.
The LORD surely does give strength to His people and blesses His people with peace. May that peace wrap around not just you, but Steve and each one of your children and their families too. May they see how He has each one of them in the palm of His mighty hand. Love you and so thankful for you.
Dear Anna, thank you so much for your encouragement and your prayers. Yes, the LORD does give strength and peace. Thank you for thinking of my whole family and the reminder that we are held by God’s almighty hand. Blessings and love to you with hugs! I’m very thankful for you, too. xoxo
Thank you for this beautiful testimony of faithful God is to give us hope and strength in the midst of the deepest grief, Gayl. Yes, what would we ever do without Jesus?! Love and blessings of continued strength and peace to you and your family in this trying time of loss!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, dear Trudy. I really don’t know what I would do without Jesus. Blessings and love to you, too! xo
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Gayl, and will be keeping you in prayer. Thank you for your vulnerability to share what God has laid on your heart and for the reminder for us to keep our gaze forever fixed upon our Savior.
Thank you for your sympathy and your prayers, Tabatha. I appreciate it so much! I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have my faith in God. He really does give peace and comfort. Blessings to you!