Don’t Be Afraid To Cry

My heart sank when I heard the news. As the shock rocked my soul, God in His kindness took me to a portion of Scripture, Psalm 107, that helped years ago. The passage felt like a familiar friend, welcoming me with open arms, and inviting me to come in.

Please join me as together we consider a powerful life lesson: Don’t Be Afraid to Cry.

The Bible’s account:

The psalmist portrays four scenarios of tragedy. 1) Some wandered homeless, 2) others sat in a self-created prison, 3) some became fools through rebellious ways, and 4) others sailed headlong into a storm at sea. In each heart wrenching situation—painful circumstances, prison chains, poor choices, and peril at sea—a pattern of deliverance emerges. Don’t Be Afraid to Cry. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble.

God’s action:

He delivered them from their distress. v.6

He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. v.7

He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. v.14

He sent forth His word and healed them. v.20

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. v.30

Our application:

1. When life hits you hard (whether from your own choices or the choices of others) Don’t Be Afraid to Cry. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble.

2. When we find ourselves helplessly tossed in storm-swirling realities, dependable navigation comes from the Scriptures. Don’t Be Afraid to Cry. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble.

3. When we come to the end of ourselves, when we cry out to the Lord, He hears and He delivers! Don’t Be Afraid to Cry. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble.

“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord” (Psalm 107: 43).

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

What is most striking to you about this passage of Scripture?

Why do we hesitate to cry out to God?

Which situation is harder for you, poor choices of your own that bring you heartache or the choices of others that bring about your pain? Why?

What happens when we cry out to God?

Imagine Emmaus!

Walking and talking with a friend bring me joy. Thus, the beautiful story of The Emmaus Road found at the end of Luke stirs me each time I read it. Before we turn the page on Easter, let’s join them.

Two friends made the seven-mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, and as they walked, they discussed the events of the past three days. The happenings concerning Jesus left them confused. And, of all things, as they walked, Jesus joined them! (paraphrase Luke 24:13-35)

Imagine the Bible Study!

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)

Imagine the shock!

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (Luke 24: 30-31)

Imagine their burning hearts!

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 23: 32)

Imagine the application!

Oh, may He walk with us; may He teach us from His Word; and as a result, may our hearts BURN!

 Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Why do you think Jesus chose to conceal His identity to the two travelers?

Reflect on your own Emmaus Walk where Jesus taught you about Himself left you with a burning heart? What was it like?

Christ Followers, Step Up!

Between the agony of Gethsemane and the sunrise of Easter morning, the courageous actions of two men speak down through the ages. Who are they? Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

Earlier, these two men hid in the shadows as secret followers of Jesus. But in John 19:38-43, we discover their bold actions. (Please read aloud.)

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Joseph of Arimathea, previously paralyzed by fear, made a daring public move; he went to Pilate. (Imagine that!) And, Nicodemus, (reference John 3), whose behavior indicates he also wrestled with demons of fear, came forward to help Joseph with the burial preparation.

What stands out?

• Joseph and Nicodemus shared a fear. But more importantly, they shared a boldness. By publicly coming forward to care for Jesus’ crucified body, they fully identified themselves with Him.

• Joseph and Nicodemus took the initiative to do the right thing, even when the right thing was the hard thing. They made a difference because they made a decision to step out of their fear and step up to meet the need of the Savior.

• Joseph and Nicodemus worked together; these men needed the support of the other to accomplish the demanding task that so desperately needed to be done.

Joseph and Nicodemus dramatically demonstrate that Jesus changes people. Out of darkness into light, He leads us; from the bondage of fear, He frees us. And then, we can’t hold back! He empowers us to boldly step forward and identify with Him.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

How is Jesus setting you free from the bondage of fear?

When did you step out of the shadows of secrecy and make a bold move to follow our Savior?

In what ways do the actions of these two men offer a model for Christ-Followers in our present culture?