Plan Info
Hope In The Mourning Reading PlanSample
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Jesus Can Handle Our Emotions
In Luke 7:36–50, a sinful woman entered the home of a Pharisee to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. Her story shows that Jesus is truly comfortable with female emotions. He accepted her public and lavish response to his love and mercy, even rebuking the man who objected to her rather shocking display.
Our mourning and grieving after a loved one dies is an emotionally draining experience. Grief and guilt mix in confusing ways. We may experience anger, shame, deep sorrow, even a disturbingly numb response. And we seldom feel safe sharing those feelings with others. It’s comforting to know that Jesus understands the strongest emotions we experience as we pour out our heartbreak and pain. He comforts us as no one else can (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
Sometimes when we express our deepest feelings to friends, they feel uncomfortable and can offer no comfort. This leaves us feeling embarrassed, which only adds to our distress over our loss.
Learning to trust Jesus with our very deepest emotions before sharing them with others is a healthy outlet. A daily time of devotion—listening to him as we read the Word and sharing our cares and concerns with him in prayer—strengthens us emotionally. Many people find that writing about their experiences helps ease the emotional sting. Journaling our prayers is one way to work through our grief.
Putting structure on the way we process our deepest emotions in the aftermath of a painful loss helps us learn to “live by faith,” as the Bible puts it in 2 Corinthians 5:7, rather than running from faith to one emotional crisis after another, or sinking from faith to depression and despair. As we gain emotional stability, we can then offer comfort to others by sharing “the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Direct your very deepest emotions to the One who gave his life for you and, as God’s Word promises, you will not only receive comforting rest from intense emotions, but you will become a comforting presence to others as well.
In Luke 7:36–50, a sinful woman entered the home of a Pharisee to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. Her story shows that Jesus is truly comfortable with female emotions. He accepted her public and lavish response to his love and mercy, even rebuking the man who objected to her rather shocking display.
Our mourning and grieving after a loved one dies is an emotionally draining experience. Grief and guilt mix in confusing ways. We may experience anger, shame, deep sorrow, even a disturbingly numb response. And we seldom feel safe sharing those feelings with others. It’s comforting to know that Jesus understands the strongest emotions we experience as we pour out our heartbreak and pain. He comforts us as no one else can (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
Sometimes when we express our deepest feelings to friends, they feel uncomfortable and can offer no comfort. This leaves us feeling embarrassed, which only adds to our distress over our loss.
Learning to trust Jesus with our very deepest emotions before sharing them with others is a healthy outlet. A daily time of devotion—listening to him as we read the Word and sharing our cares and concerns with him in prayer—strengthens us emotionally. Many people find that writing about their experiences helps ease the emotional sting. Journaling our prayers is one way to work through our grief.
Putting structure on the way we process our deepest emotions in the aftermath of a painful loss helps us learn to “live by faith,” as the Bible puts it in 2 Corinthians 5:7, rather than running from faith to one emotional crisis after another, or sinking from faith to depression and despair. As we gain emotional stability, we can then offer comfort to others by sharing “the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Direct your very deepest emotions to the One who gave his life for you and, as God’s Word promises, you will not only receive comforting rest from intense emotions, but you will become a comforting presence to others as well.
Scripture
About this Plan
Grief is one of life’s toughest challenges. Yet in the midst of your deepest despair, God reveals himself and his promises for a better tomorrow. Readings in this 7-day devotional, taken from the NIV Hope in the Mourning...
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We would like to thank Timothy Beals and Zondervan for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://aps.harpercollins.com/zbibles?isbn=9780310429456&retailer=amazon&locale=US
