Lord, I have Had My Full of Death- I Can’t Take Anymore
We live on a fallen planet where sin abounds and consequently, death. There are some seasons where it seems that all we know and experience is death. It may be the death of a person, an animal, a dream, etc. This can be especially difficult around the holidays when we remember and want to take time with family members. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said:
“For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”
Philippians 2: 47
Can you relate? Thos seasons where you cry out to the Lord and say to Him, “Lord, it is too hard, I can’t take any more death.” So, how can we overcome such situations? If we go to Second Corinthians, we learn about the importance of receiving and giving. First, we must receive Him as the God of our Comfort. That is, recognize the only One who can truly help you is Him. Sadly, many people struggle in these times and turn to the wrong things or people seeking sympathy.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted.”
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Paul would add later in this letter:
“You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your ow affections.”
2 Corinthians 6: 12
When we go through such seasons, our emotions and affections become raw. We walk around with a wound that never seems to heal and we can blame others. We need to understand that victory is not found in the soul arena or walking by the flesh. You can’t overcome in the flesh. You are fighting a spiritual problem that demands a spiritual answer. So, run to Him and refuse to allow your emotions or affections to control and restrict you. The Lord wants us to have life and enjoy it to the full. He is the Source of all life, and He is the Answer.
If you receive Him, then begin to worship Him.
“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. When waves of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrow of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”
Psalm 18: 3- 6
Call out to Him and seek His face and His comfort. Look to Jesus as our Role Model:
“Who, in the days of His flesh, when he had offered up supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear.”
Hebrew 5: 7
Jesus cried out to the Father. Sometimes, we press in through a baptism of tears. Cry out to Him as He is able to save you. Cry out and place it on the altar. Cry out to the One who can comfort you. He comes not to bring sympathy but comfort.
Second, receive His comfort. Lifting up your heart in worship opens your heart to receive Him and His comfort. Give Him time as you marinate in His comfort so that His comfort can minister to every fiber of your being.
Open His Word and let Him speak to you a now word from the Word. For He always has the right message for the hour and the need. Let Him open up and give you rich revelation. We may not always know the why, but He will provide the assurances.
Thirdly, comfort others. Remember, we reap what we sow, so pour comfort into others and build a harvest for yourself in your time of need.
Finally, stay in worship and thanksgiving. The devil will do everything to stop you from giving thanks because thanksgiving is a powerful tool to guard your heart and to receive all He has for you. Choose to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto Him and watch how He meets with you right where you are to pour in His comfort.
