That is a question that people ask some times from the pit of despair and heartache.  Some of them are unable to come up with a sufficient answer and rather than wait for the sun to come up and try again the next day they opt not to face another day……

This weekend was a difficult one for our church.  The grandson of a former member, a young man well-known and well-loved by our congregation for many, many years took his life.  He was a smart, fun, handsome young man and I do not know the weight of the issues which led to his untimely and unnecessary demise.  I know that he leaves behind a grieving family who is struggling to deal with their loss.  I know that he leaves behind friends who are wrestling with questions that will never be answered.  I know that he will be missed.

At this time I ask for your prayers so that his family, his friends and our church members will stand strong in their faith and experience the Lord’s peace during this time of grief.  I know that this young man was a Christian.  For that reason, I know that despite this wrong decision, he is with our Lord today and he is at peace.  I want to be sure to say that it was a wrong decision because I don’t want anyone to think that just because this young man is at peace now justifies the action that took place.  I never want to see anyone else take that same path again.  I do not know the circumstances in this tragic incident but I want everyone to know that we all will face trials in our lives.  WE WILL ALL DEAL WITH CRAZY, INSURMOUNTABLE SITUATIONS THAT MAKE US FEEL LIKE GIVING UP AND GIVING IN.  Some deal with chronic depression or other issues that may make some of us ask, “How can I go on?”  Some of those situations may make some of us, “Why should I go on?”  The answer is the same to both of those questions.  You can go on and you should go on because the Lord loves you!   He still has good and glorious plans for your life.

Even King David, a man with such a very close relationship with God that he is called “a man after God’s own heart” faced times of great sadness and frustration; there were times he felt like giving up.  In Psalm 31:9 David wrote:

“Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also.  For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing…”  Psalm 31:9-10

In many songs, David expressed the same feeling; one of being overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life.  Yet through it all David never gave up!  In Psalm 31 David speaks of how, in the midst of his sadness, he cried to the Lord and trusted in the Lord and God delivered him from his enemy.  David ends the psalm with an exhortation to all who feel distressed and discouraged.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.”  Psalm 31:24  

Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life today.  Maybe you are not sure if you can go on.  You can!  You can be strong in the Lord!  You can receive courage from the Lord!  You can make it through whatever situation you face through the power that Jesus Christ offers you!  Don’t give up and don’t give in!  His peace is available right here, right now in this earthly realm for all who will trust in Him!  The sun will rise tomorrow!  And the Lord will be with you!  He will help you face the day!  He will help you to be strong and take courage!

If you would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please feel free to email me directly at pastorpstephens@aol.com