Encouragement for Your Sidewalk Toilets
When my son died, I heard all kinds of well-meaning words of comfort and encouragement:
"He's in a better place."
"God needed another angel."
"At least you still have your daughter."
I can't say that a single one of those phrases brought me any amount of peace or comfort.
Instead, I discovered that the best encouragement for my heart was not found
in the words of people, but in the words of God.
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
That's why I had the courage to hit the "publish" button each time I wrote a blog.
That's why I had the courage to hit the "publish" button for my book.
That's why I had the courage to hit the "publish" button for this website.
This world is filled with hurt and suffering and sorrow and tragedy,
but Christ offers peace. He offers comfort. He offers hope.
He does through through His Word.
I pray you find comfort in these verses. Let them fill your heart.
And then I pray you don't keep them to yourself.
Share them.
Comfort others with them.
Bring the hope of Christ through them.
God will do the rest.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Job 19:25-26
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Psalm 30:5b
...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.
Psalm 121:1:2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.