“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice,
and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:22
What do you say when a friend calls you on the phone in tears because someone they love is ill and may die? Do you feel sick to your stomach as you grope for words that seem totally inadequate? You are not alone, even Counselors encounter such moments. Counseling as a biblical specialist, however, does provide an advantage because the Scriptures speak to even the most tragic circumstance with the Wisdom of the Ages. That is why I do my best to get each of my Clients into the Bible personally through Journey Notes Praise Journaling. Let me share a personal example of how being familiar with what Scriptures says can make a difference when facing trials:
September 11, 2001 was an wretched day in our history. I am sure that if you were alive that day, you can tell me exactly where you were on what began as just an ordinary Tuesday. I was home sick that day and got word about the first Tower being hit so I was watching our TV when the second plane hit. Like most of you, the world totally stopped for me as the horrific events of that day unfolded. I remember thinking and praying to God, “Lord, help me understand . . . I don’t know what to do with this ugliness!” As I got ready to go to bed that night, I remember a heaviness of heart as I mourned the loss of so many innocent people and prayed for their families. I still was at a total loss to know what to think about all that had happened. Just as I pulled back the covers to get into bed, these thoughts ran through my mind that I knew were not my own: “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good . . . GOD is GOOD.” (Romans 12:9) KA-POW! That was one of those times when the Holy Spirit reminded me that darkness will ultimately be conquered by the light of the supernatural! Yes! In that moment I was set free to hope as I trusted that mourning would not prevail. I fell asleep that night comforted by the knowledge that because of God’s goodness, His morning light would return.
Are you in the dark right now struggling with a problem personally or trying to minister to a hurting friend? Go to God for the help you need by praying for His leading, reading Scripture and giving thanks for His love and mercy. If there are things you have put off doing that you know He wants you to do, then make it your priority to get those things done! Watch . . . wait . . . trust . . . KA-POW!
” . . . weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
You turned my wailing into dancing;
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.”
Psalm 30:5b, 11 & 12
HisGlory SM 