Peace and Rejoicing

John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you: not as the world give them, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

God’s peace in times of sorrow. This has been on my heart a lot lately. A I grow older it seems like so many more of my friends and loved ones are making their final journey.

Many years ago, my former father-in-law was on his deathbed. He called all of his children (11) in for goodbyes. He asked for each family, individually, to come in his room and he proceeded to pray a prayer of blessing over each one. He then made his peace by asking forgiveness and giving forgiveness. He shared Jesus and asked that all make their peace with God so he would see them again. I had never seen this done before and it spoke volumes to me. One of the biggest lessons I have learned!

I went home and shared this with my parents. A few years before we had lost my 16-year-old adopted sister and I watched my mother grieve for two years. I never wanted to see this again. One thing I learned from the above experience was to spend time with those you love talking about things that mean so much to you so that you never have to say, “I wish I had said this/that to them.” Then when you lose them, release them. When my dad passed, I watched my mother release him and I observed the peace it gave her. Sad? Yes, but rejoicing that she knew where he was and could be glad knowing that she would see him again.

If you have loved ones that don’t know Jesus, be sure you tell them about Him and pray they will receive Him as their Savior so you can also rejoice and release them into His hands.

A happy heart is a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing.

John 16:20 - I can guarantee this truth: You will cry because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel pain, but your pain will turn to happiness.

Many troubles will cross your path, but He will keep you if you trust in Him. Many sorrows will surround you, but he will give you joy that is greater. Let His light burn deep within you to cheer and encourage you and know that He will bring you out.

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice in it! Again I say, REJOICE!

Caroline Hicks