THERE IS STILL HOPE

THERE IS STILL HOPE

At some point in our lives, we might have lost somebody dear to us, a cherished loved one. We may recall that it did not matter how old or young they were at the time they transitioned. What hurt was that we were not ever going to see them again on this side of the divide. And if indeed they were dear to us a vacuum would have been created. A vacuum that no man could fill  For some of us, we picked up,the pieces and moved on even if it seemed impossible at the start. For others we took longer to pick up the pieces but still we made it and moved on. But some of us have just stayed at the place of mourning and grief and are finding it difficult to carry on. Please listen to this.

There is one thing that is certain for us all: the same end of going back home to, our creator. We just have no idea what time it will be. Today is not to wear us out about being prepared for that inevitable day that must come.  Because it will surely come. Today is to encourage those that have lost dear ones. To encourage those of us that are still here, on this side of eternity. WE MUST NOT DESPAIR! WE MUST NOT DISMAY!  Like the Preacher said, there is  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:4 KJV So whenever we weep or mourn let us always  remember that it is not to be a permanent place of residence because “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalms 30:5 KJV The morning is round the corner. Let us get ready to shout for joy. There is a reason why we are still here and we must find that reason and run with it. And this is what I hear the Lord telling us at this time, “The people of Israel who survive will be like refreshing dew sent by the LORD for many nations, like showers on growing plants. They will depend on God, not people.” Micah 5:7 Good News Translation

We are preserved for a time like this. Not to be alone to mourn without any respite, succour or comfort but to be a blessing to others even in our own time of grief; to help build others up and to let them know that the One we depend on is NOT the arm of flesh, (that will surely fail us.), but on the Lord our God.  “Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. Just as we have a share in Christ’s many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God’s great help.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5  Good News Translation  Is there a reason why we are being told over and over again that God is our help? Yes there is. Clearly we are not to look for help from anywhere else. The consequences will not be rewarding. But whenever we turn to God for help , our confidence will be restored.

Therefore,  let our hope come alive and let our sorrows fade. Let us ask God for help at a time like this.  I share with you the words from the hymn “O God our help in ages past”; where the writer William Croft expresses appropriately who God is to us in our day and hour of need.

O God our help in ages past

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.”  

In the last two lines of verse two, Croft further reassures us that God is everything we need.

“Sufficient is thine arm alone

And our defense is sure.”

WE HAVE NO NEED TO BE AFRAID. GOD IS OUR HOPE AND HE WILL HELP US THROUGH.

 

OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©