Pastor Stephen Dedman

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The Blessing Of Comfort

Encouragement, Trust

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Life is tough.  Life on this side of eternity has it’s disappointments, discouragements, and defeats.  At some point in time we all suffer emotional discomfort.  

The people we love the most are the ones who hurt us the most.  It’s important that we learn how to endure our greatest disappointments and defeats so that we can be the person God has called us to be.

We can react to our hurt and pain by either mourning or moaning.  Mourning will lead us to comfort but moaning will lead us to complaining. The devil wants us to moan and complain because he wants us to be miserable.  

Jesus desires that we appropriately mourn so that He can comfort us and restore us.  We must learn to properly mourn when we hurt.

Jesus gives nine Beatitudes or Blessings that help us live according to His plan and purpose.  Verse 4 is the blessing of mourning that leads to comfort.  Jesus promises to comfort those who hurt.  

If there is anyone who can understand your hurt and pain,  it is Jesus.  The people who were singing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”  were the same people who were shouting, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” a few days later.  Jesus suffered more emotional hurt and pain than anyone else.

If you have lost a loved one or suffering the loss of a job, have you mourned? Maybe you have been hurt by a spouse, a friend, or even a church member.  If you are hurting, turn and talk to Jesus about it.  Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Pray

Lord, I’m hurting and need Your love and compassion. Help me to forgive. Give me the power to overcome all things that try to pull me down.

Stay Focussed And Encouraged

Encouragement

‘And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”’
I Kings 19:14

Discouragement comes when you are exhausted? There is no exception in the kingdom work of God. Doing the Lord’s work is exhausting. That’s why you need to stay refreshed and encouraged.

Elijah was discouraged from doing the work of God. He had just called down fire from heaven and experienced one of the most powerful victories on Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated and people were turning to God. It was a powerful revival.

But because of this great awakening, Elijah was facing death threats causing him to run for his life. He felt defeated and discouraged. Oh how quickly it can happen in our life as well.

When we focus more on our troubles and problems than on the power of God we get overwhelmed. And certainly so when the devil attacks when we least expect it. Often times we get to this point right after we have done great things in the name of the Lord.

The good news is that God commanded Elijah to rest and it refreshed his mind, body, and soul. God also sent him a helper, friend, and companion. Elisha was a blessing to Elijah.

Sometimes we just need to take a moment to get refocussed and rejuvenated. If you are overwhelmed and exhausted you need to rest. Trust the Spirit of God to get refreshed and encouraged.

Pray

Lord, You alone are God! You are my Lord and Salvation! I focus on You and Your kingdom today. Encourage me and strengthen me through Your Spirit.

A Change Of Heart

Encouragement, Faith

‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.’
Psalms 51:12

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that a change would be good. We might think that a new job making more money could be the solution. Or maybe a new president could change our situation. Or thinking that a change of appearance could make things better. This way of thinking is dangerous.

It may not be the circumstances that need to change. Is it possible that your heart needs to change? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” The heart according to the Bible is deceitful.

Sometimes we just need a change of heart. Not so much as turning over a new leaf or trying to live a better life, but a radical renewing of your heart. Let’s be honest, sometimes we get into a slump and allow our lives to be controlled by the world’s way of thinking.

What we need is a spiritual transformation. That is exactly what David needed after he sinned against God and his whole world crumbled. He finally discovered that the problem was in his heart. The change that he needed was internal, not external.

Do you need a change of heart? Do you need God to transform your heart and give you a new heart? All you have to do is ask, and you will receive.

Pray

Lord, cleanse me and make me new. Wash me and forgive me of my sins. Make me hear joy and gladness. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.