A message of encouragement from our speaker tomorrow, Janet Richards:
After over seven years of severe depression, God had a message of hope for me. A couple of thousand years ago, Jesus had good news for the brokenhearted too. He came to provide healing and restoration from our trauma and the resulting mental illness we may suffer as a result. This message reminds us how Jesus heals our broken hearts. Let’s reflect together on how to bring our traumas and broken hearts to Jesus in community with each other.
Tomorrow we will dive into the scriptures from Isaiah 61:1-2, as Jesus referenced in his first message Luke 4:18-19.
A few questions to consider:
Have you thought about why Jesus cried even though he knew he would heal Lazarus and bring him back to life?
How do we comfort each other by holding space for stories of trauma, suffering and loss?
Have you shared with God, and maybe other faithful friends, how you feel about the ways life has not always felt fair or just?
In what ways may God be inviting you into a healing process?
In what ways may God be inviting you into the healing process of others?
Pray silently with me if you are in need of healing:
Lord, I’m uncomfortable here. This makes me feel…..maybe I don’t have the words but I feel unsafe. I want to run away on safe ground. What I am seeking is to see clearly. Is this an area I need healing, restoration and peace? Stay with me as I linger here. Weep with me as I recall the painful memories I’ve not allowed myself to feel. Bring your resurrection power Jesus! Heal me! Walk with me as I tenderly walk with a healing heart. Protect my relationships as I learn new ways of interacting. If my injury caused harm in those I love, give me the courage to repent and heal those relationships. If I was injured by someone, I need you to guide me to the steps to live at peace. Oh Lord, that may mean reconciliation or separation; keep my heart soft as I navigate with others the best past to Shalom, wholeness for myself and others. Your good news means healing is possible, today. Thank you for being the Savior who binds the broken-hearted, like me.
Join us in-person or online tomorrow morning at 10:30 and we will pray together and discuss the healing of inviting Jesus into our trauma.
Peace be with you,
Janet Richards