Coffee With The Lord

As a Christian, even when we experience grief, it’s not just about us! The grieving process is painful! The loss we’ve experienced aches terribly! It may be someone near and dear … It may be a relationship … It may be something we have grown to treasure… No matter – the pain is intense! But as a Christian, the Lord comes alongside as our helper! He ministers the salve of hope to our wound! His sweet presence is like a soothing bandage to our hurt! His Spirit is like a healing tonic! We are so grateful!

But even then it’s not simply about us! Apostle Paul realized that and wrote the following wonderful encouragement I read this morning…

“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. ^7\  And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort! (2 Corinthians 1:3–7 the NET Bible)

These are no light and casual words either… the next verses describe the gut-wrenching sorrow Paul faced! Think of it… incredible, supernatural, comfort in sorrow… not simply for us, but enough of it to share with others! I’ve experienced it! Think I’ll accept Paul’s challenge and share it today with someone who needs it… A comforting presence, a reassuring touch, a hopeful word, a kind letter, a supporting prayer… something that ministers comfort to a hurting friend. Guide me Lord!!

One of the most painful experiences a person can have is betrayal by a friend! If you’ve ever experienced it you know how lingering the “stab wound” can be! If you’re not careful it can become an open, festering sore that oozes bitterness.
Jesus experienced it… On two occasions in different ways… the kiss of betrayal from Judas and the denial “I don’t know Him” of Peter.
Today during “coffee with the Lord” I read a psalm that I think can help any of us who’ve ever experienced betrayal by a friend… Pore over it’s words! Reflect on them! And let what they say help bring healing to your “betrayal pain!”
“Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore my appeal for mercy! Pay attention to me and answer me! I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself! … Indeed, it is not an enemy who insults me, or else I could bear it; it is not one who hates me who arrogantly taunts me, or else I could hide from him. But it is you, a person like me, my close friend in whom I confided. We would share personal thoughts with each other; in God’s temple we would walk together among the crowd… As for me, I will call out to God, and the LORD will deliver me. During the evening, morning, and noontime I will lament and moan, and he will hear me… Throw your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you! He will never allow the godly to be up-ended! As for me, I trust in you!” (from Psalm 55 the NET Bible)
Seems to me there is some really good spiritual therapy in those verses! Tell God how you feel (He’s a good listener and therapist!)… express the hurt and pain… and most of all don’t forget to forgive!

Perhaps you’re facing an incredible problem today and desperately need the Lord’s help… I read these words today from Psalm 54 during “coffee with the Lord” and turned them into my prayer… Perhaps you will want to do the same (I recommend!)

“O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth… Behold, God is my helper! The Lord is the upholder of my life! …With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. For you have delivered me from every trouble!”