(This week’s devotions come from “Grace for the Moment” by Max Lucado.)
“The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right.” Proverbs 15:9
Perhaps the wound is old. A parent abused you. A teacher slighted you. A mate betrayed you… And you are angry.
Or perhaps the wound is fresh. The friend who owes you money just drove by in a new car. The boss who hired you with promises of promotions has forgotten how to pronounce your name… And you are hurt.
Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight… There is a fire burning in your heart. It’s the fire of anger.
And you are left with a decision. “Do I put the fire out or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let hurt turn into hate?”
Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left.
Let us pray: Dear Jesus, from the cross you spoke words of forgiveness to those who rejected you, betrayed you, condemned you. In those words we also hear you forgiving us. We pray for the grace to let others go, to let past wrongs go, to let what we’ve done go. We pray for the peace of a quiet conscious and the release of bitterness and resentment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
December 14, 2011 at 6:59 pm |
I am near the end of my life, with so much pain this year. I have lost a very dear daughter to a horrible death. My other two children are moving on with their life, with my blessing. Both moving out of state to live near their own children. I am very sure that is a positive thing for both of them and really want them to do this.
I am blessed by still having family here, close to me but the pain this year is so severe. I pray to God each night to let me join my husband and daughter but it just never happens. I am still praying and hoping for one day soon.
December 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm |
Anonymous
God is not ready to call you…he has a plan for you and it’s not time.
Enjoy his gift of life while you can…there is a mission somewhere for you…grab it . He is giving you a gift.
December 15, 2011 at 6:31 pm |
Dear Anonymous,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your girl And I am sorry to hear about your pain. It can wear down a person’s spirit and will to live if it becomes to hard to bear.
When we are suffering, it is hard to believe that not every day will be like today, not every year will be like this year. But it is so.
I do not know when the Father will call you home, but until that day comes, do not lose hope that better days will come.
Lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ for help and encouragement and allow yourself to be vulnerable to them.