SUMMARY: Double pain
OVERVIEW: David feels the sting of insincerity amongst those who visit him while he’s sick.
BIG IDEA: Bring hope to the hopeless and forgiveness to those who have hurt you.
KEY VERSE: Psalm 41:1–2 (reminder from David)
Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
There is blessing for those who bring comfort to others. I protect and preserve. Own and embrace that truth and then take it to others. Encourage people who are ill. Offer them hope. Remind them that they matter and look for practical ways to care for them. People are vulnerable when they have been hurt. Come alongside them and breathe life into them. Share my love.
Don’t be discouraged when you’re the one who is sick and in need of comfort. You can expect your enemies to be dismissive, but it’s never easy to feel the sting of loneliness when friends and family ignore you or turn against you. That’s when I want you to remember I am with you. I will give you the strength to persevere and overcome the physical and emotional pain. For when you arise, I want to you repay evil with good. Be a blessing to others and use your renewed strength to praise me in word and deed.
NEXT STEP
Show genuine care to those in need. Who is someone you can call, visit, or text right now?
VIDEO CLIP
“Memorial service” from When the Game Stands Tall