As she was being treated in the emergency room for minor injuries, the young wife and mother was told that her husband and small child died in the car crash. She immediately addressed God and spoke aloud, “I hate You; I hate You; I hate You.” And then, a moment later, “I need You; I need You; I need You.” And then, seconds later, “I love You; I love You; I love You”. Though it is never helpful to harbor hate in our heart, there are times when we are devastated, overwhelmed, and frightened. In Christ we have grace to prayerfully process sorrows and heartbreaks in life.

When John the Baptist was martyred (Jesus’ friend and cousin), Jesus quickly sought a solitary place to be alone. At such times Jesus yielded to the love and comfort of His Father.

We hurt deeply but we are loved deeply. At such times our cry might be, “Lord, love me through this time. I need You and my heart is open to You.”

We are assured that in Christ we “may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:18-19. He is the God of “all comfort” and He “comforts us in all our troubles”

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton