July 17th – July 23rd, 2025
VERSE OF THE WEEK
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
The Comforter
When tragedy strikes, such as the recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country, many people will say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Some have come to view this expression as a rather perfunctory statement that is said when someone does not know what else to say. While many feel a sense of helplessness or despair in the face of such devastation, the truth is that there is power in prayer. For those who follow Jesus, the apostle Paul reminds you, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, not to “grieve as others do who have no hope.” Pastor Steve Woods of Sunrise Chapel in Florida once put it this way, “As Christians, children of the Most High God and Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is most important to us that we never let the ways of this world interfere with our faith and trust in God.” The Father has promised to be near to the brokenhearted and the grieving… He hears when you pray! You need but to call out to Him for solace and comfort, grateful for the promise of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus. Grief and suffering will one day pass. There is hope!
