They have treated my people’s brokenness superficially, claiming, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.
Jeremiah 6:14 (CSB)
Lord, today as I am personally dealing with the loss that people whom I consider friends are going through, I confess it is heavy on my soul. What do I say or do to ease their pain?
When this verse was given to me this morning it so spoke to how I sometimes feel. I feel like one of those false prophets in Jeremiah’s day telling folks everything is going to be okay, saying, “Look Jesus; He will bring you comfort.” Though I know this to be true, having not only seen Your precious promises in Your Word but also having lived it myself, I know that there is always a gap between the loss and the comfort. Yes, You show up. But the pain is still there. And I feel so helpless as I watch them go through. Oh, that Your comfort would come quickly!
Today, I pray for them, Lord, those whom I know who are experiencing loss, pain, uncertainty, or anything that has caused them to feel like they are standing on shaky ground. I pray for Your care and comfort. Help them to see that You have not left them. Give them glimmers of Your fingerprints in their struggle. Whether it is through a Scripture verse that comes to them out of the blue, a random act of kindness shown by a stranger, a song playing unexpectedly, or something as mundane as a television commercial that takes them to a pleasant place, show them that none of this happens by chance, that You are in control, and that You love them and see them.
Also, Lord, use me and others who love and care for them to hold them up, not making light of their pain, but being those friends who stick closer than a brother. Help us to demonstrate Your love in a tangible way, carrying their burdens and supporting them until they get on the other side of this heartache. Help us to bridge that gap, to be the evidence of You showing up in their lives.
I do not take light what they are going through. I wish I could do more. I want to do more. Use me to do more. Give me the right words to say, the right actions to perform, and the right love to show. Help me not to address their pain superficially but to point them to the true Balm in Gilead – You.
Lord Jesus, You promised You would send the Comforter. Precious Holy Spirit, comfort them and guide us, as Your servants, as we point our loved ones to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort in Jesus’ Name. Amen.