APRIL 9, 2 Samuel 1:11-12

When David came back from his battle with the Amalekites, a young man arrived with bad news. Saul’s army had been attacked by the Philistines. Fighting was very fierce and in the chaos of battle, an arrow hit and wounded Saul. Rather than being taken by the Philistines, Saul killed himself by falling on his own sword. His son, Jonathan, as well as his brothers and others also died in the battle.

When David heard this, he took hold of his own clothes and tore them. David and his men mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan and all the others, who had died in the battle.

Have you lost a friend or loved one to death, like David? Or do you know a friend who, like David, has lost a loved one through death? You would probably feel a little uneasy talking to a friend who has lost someone through death. When you meet your friend, sometimes it is best not to say too much, but just to sit quietly with your friend. Your friend will feel your comforting presence even though you don’t say much. If your friend would like to talk, ask her to tell you about the fun times that she remembers. Tell your friend how it makes you feel to see her so sad. You can tell her, if she is a Christian, that God loves her very much and feels sad with her. Tell her that God has given us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to be our Comforter. God wants to comfort her. Encourage her to tell God how she feels. If your friend doesn’t feel like praying, you could ask if it would be okay to say a prayer for her. Pray that God will help her to feel His great love and Holy Spirit that will comfort her and thank God for the hope we have of being together one day in Heaven.

Thought: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s reminder that the Holy Spirit is my Comforter and I pray that I would always go to You in prayer and reading of the bible and my Junior RPG. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.