Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness. ~Floyd W. Tomkins

By Renee Root

Easter is supposed to be a time of joy and giving praise to the Lord. But, for some it
is a time when they miss a loved one most because the Lord called them home. This is a time when discouragement and depression can be the worst for some people. The Lord called my mother home a few years ago (Easter Sunday 2008). This is the year (2014-2015) that the Lord has renewed my strength and joy.

Jesus has promised to be with us always. Matthew 28: 20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age". The Lord has given me a wonderful pastor, a wonderful church family new friends and a renewed strength. Now, this happened in the Lord's timing and not mine and as you see it took six years for me to realize even though I was upset with the Lord-the Lord was patient and waited for me to surrender and to start serving him.

Today, you may be in the position of not knowing why the Lord took a loved one from
you may be feeling angry and hurt. This is when you need to spend time in prayer with the Lord and ask him for peace and direction. The peace you will receive is best described in Psalms 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely, he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart". (N.I.V)

So, you must rest in the Lord's arms and trust he has a greater plan for your life.

If you are grieving here are some suggestions of things that may help:
1. Spend time in prayer and give praise to the Lord
2. Find a local grief support group
3. Help someone who is in need
4. Send cards of encouragement to other people
5. Make a donation to a charity in memory of your loved one.

I am now a faithful Christian serving the Lord at Thursday Church in Vincennes, Indiana.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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