S.O.S.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

Have you ever felt like you had to put on a ‘front’ as you walked into Church? That somehow you had to pull it together and at least appear like everything was ok, no not just ok, but great :) I’ve experienced this. Why does this happen?

Well, I want to take responsibility, sometimes it was my pride, I didn’t want to be seen to be weak or vulnerable or I just didn’t want to bother people. I didn’t let my brothers/sisters mourn with me when I was mourning because I pretended I was rejoicing. 

To be fair, sometimes, it’s just that I was too tired to have the harder vulnerable conversation.

How about you? Do you feel the need to put up a front? If so, why is that and how could that change? Maybe you have been burnt in the past. You were vulnerable but nobody mourned with you or maybe as can happen - they tried to push you too quickly to rejoice instead of giving you time and space to mourn. 

Can I encourage you, don’t put up the front. Be willing to be vulnerable (again perhaps) and allow God’s people to mourn with you as we endure the sufferings of life.

Even as we mourn. Let’s remember that in Jesus CHrist we have hope in all circumstances. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. He suffered that one day we might rejoice with Him in the new heavens and earth.

For Today:

• Do you feel able/willing to be vulnerable at Church?
• How do you go mourning with those who mourn? Or do you avoid the sufferers?
• Who is struggling right now that you could pray for or encourage?

Pray:

• Praise the Father who gives both sun and rain but has purpose in it all.
• Give thanks for Christ who suffered to bless those who mourn. 
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others mourn with those who mourn.