Living Free - March 29, 2007

Today's Scripture
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Recovery marks the time when a bereaved person is again oriented to time, place and person and ready to re-enter the mainstream of life. When we reach this point, we adjust to the real world and become an active member of the community. It has been said that this is the time we lay aside the trappings of grief with which we have enfolded ourselves and confront the challenges of life after loss.

Recovery brings growth and a new lifestyle. Growth is inherent in the nature of mankind. God made each of the elements of the universe with the capacity to grow. God has made us not only with the capacity to grow, but with the will to make changes. Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the process of moving through the stages of grief and coming out on the other side a wiser and more complete person.

Consider this ...
Just as God has been with you throughout the grieving process, he is with you as you begin to rebuild your life. If you are willing to put our trust in him, he will fill you with hope. He will guide you and give your life meaningful purpose. He has a plan for you, and he promises that it is a plan for good.

Prayer ...
 Lord, thank you for your assurance that you have a good plan and a purpose for my life. Help me as I re-enter the mainstream of life to stay on the path you have prepared for me. Thank you for always being with me and loving me no matter what.

These thoughts adapted from ...      

Handling Loss and Grief. People going through this group will be able to identify what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss and comfort to those who have faced loss. This guide also provides help for anyone ministering to those experiencing a "little death" in life: divorce, loss of job, etc.  

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