©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
People everywhere are hurting.
Wearied by the demands of everyday life.
Saddened by the loss of a loved one.
Burdened by the destructive choices of a family member.
Worried about paying the bills or feeding the family.
Injured by the rash and painful words of a friend.
Perhaps you are one of them. If not, you know someone who is.
Peeking through the windows of a care facility at a mom, dad or grandparent.
Blinking through tears at home while a loved one fights in the hospital.
Dealing with the betrayal of a trusted friend or loved one.
Struggling with the clutches of addiction, fighting against the urges and turmoil.
Fearing an invisible disease that sickens, damages or destroys.
Battling against the weight of anxiety and depression and a lack of self-worth.
Yearning for…
Hugs
Hope
Happiness
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus – Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
When we hurt, God offers HOPE
When we suffer, God offers STRENGTH
When we cry, God offers CARE
Whatever your circumstance today, God is available to hear from you. He’s awaiting your call.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
If you are struggling today, reach up to God in prayer and reach out to someone near you.
Even if you’re not experiencing heartache right now, someone around you is…
Lonely. Teary. Weary.
Let them know you SEE them.
Take time to HEAR them.
Reach out and LOVE on them.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NIV
Pray for them. Engage with them. Love on them.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11-12 NIV
- Who will you reach out to today who may be lonely or hurting? (Who will you reach out to today if you’re struggling?)
- What is hurting your heart today? What burden are you carrying?
- In what ways are you sharing – or seeking – hope?
If you are the one whose heart is burdened today, hold on to this…
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™