JANUARY 22, 2023
SERIES – GROWING THROUGH THE SEASONS OF LIFE
MESSAGE – THE SEASON OF LOSS
Eccl. 8:14 – Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people.
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S LOSSES
1. Release my grief.
Matt. 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Ps. 62:8 – Pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge.
Ps. 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
2. Receive from others.
Gal. 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens, by helping each other with your troubles, you obey the law of Christ.
Heb. 12:15 – Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings.
3. Refuse to be bitter.
Job 21:25 – Some people have no happiness at all, they live and die with a bitter heart.
Heb. 12:15 – Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, it causes deep trouble hurting many in their spiritual lives.
The Antidote:
Accept what cannot be changed.
Job 11:13, 16 – Reach out to God, then face the world again, firm and courageous.
Focus on what’s left, not what’s lost.
I Th. 5:18 – No matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you.
4. Remember what’s important.
Luke 12:15 – Jesus said life is not measured by how much one owns.
I Tim. 6:7 – We brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
5. Rely on Christ.
Phil. 4:13 – I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens. I can do all things through Christ, because He give me strength.
HOW?
Lean on Christ for stability.
Ps. 125:1 – Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance.
Ps. 112:6-7 – Such a person will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him.
Listen to Christ for direction.
Jer. 29:11 – I know what I am planning for you, says the Lord. I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.
Look to Christ for salvation.
Job 2:7 – When I have lost all hope, I once again turn my thoughts to the Lord.