Quiet WatersÀpẹrẹ

You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5b)

Overcoming pain, stigma, death, and loss

There is a lot of pain and agony in the world as people continue to be infected and succumb to the virus. Many others are grieving the loss of their loved ones and trying to overcome the trauma associated with the inability to give them respectful and decent burials. And now, there is more pain and anxiety as some countries begin to lift lockdowns.

The sense of loss and hopelessness is real, but we need to know that Christ is with us in all of this (John 11:35-36; Hebrew 4:15-16; 13:5b).   

Christ intervened in miraculous ways in the case of Jarius’s daughter and also the woman with the issue of blood. He demonstrated His power over sicknesses and death and brought relief to their pains (Mark 5:28-34 & 35-42). 

Consider the woman with the issue of blood—the stigma adds to people’s pain (vs. 26-33). Who are those that are suffering around us? Do we turn a blind eye to them? Instead let us look for ways we can help to relieve their pains.  

• The woman with issue of blood touched Jesus secretly and wanted to escape unnoticed (vs. 32-33). What can we learn from her about how to overcome stigma?
• Read v. 38 again. How does weeping and mourning help us in overcoming pain in times of death and loss? 
• How can the word of Jesus in vs. 34 & 36 help us overcome pain?

Our loving Shepherd cares for us even through this global pandemic. If you feel pain or stigma, look to Him who anoints your head with oil.

Family activity - You will need baking ingredients.

Outline three things you will do practically to bring succour to those who are affected by COVID-19 and the lockdown in your neighbourhood. Here is a suggestion.

Collectively bake a cake or muffins and throw a celebration party as a family to thank God for His favour upon you. Each person is to write two things on paper strips that they are grateful for and fold them and put them in a bowl for people to pick up, read, and pray. After prayer stick these on your fridge door as a reminder.