He is our Shepherd. {Jerry & Pat Capps}

On June 7, 2002, we lost our 19-year-old son in a car accident. 

The Bible says that we comfort those with the comfort we have been given. We were so thankful for others in our church that had lost a child. If not for them, I don’t know if we would have coped as well as we did. Other people around us shied away like we had something contagious. Still, others thought we should “get over it” in a month or two

At times, God did feel far away. Sometimes, it felt like our prayers weren’t being heard. The Bible says He hears our groaning and knows without us speaking. I hung on to that. It also tells us that his grace is sufficient, for in our weakness he is made strong. God was so good to us, if one of us was down and struggling the other was usually in a good place to help them be strong.

We have grown for sure. We have to stand firm on His promises. It rains on the just and the unjust. This is not heaven, and we will all have issues. There’s a lot of advice to offer, but the best thing to do is to love hurting people where they are at. Whether they’re mad at God, defeated, completely lost or even crying in the cereal aisle at Walmart, we need to reach out in love.

We don’t know why God took Andy so young. We take comfort in knowing we’ll see him again. It’s ok to talk about him, to laugh, and to cry. Rejoicing comes at Heaven's gate because we know we will see him again.

We often encounter moments of doubt and uncertainty when tragedy or crisis strikes. When the path ahead seems unclear and our hearts are heavy, it's essential to remember that we are not alone. The Bible reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd, guiding and protecting us through every twist and turn.

Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV) beautifully captures this truth: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

In the middle of the challenges we face, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure. In those moments we receive different advice, care, and interactions with people around us. Sometimes it brings even more pain for those well-meaning people in our lives. 

Yet, even in those moments, we can hold onto the promise that He will hold us fast. Just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, our Heavenly Father cares for us with an unwavering love. He never lets go of us, even when we're unsure of our next steps.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) reinforces this truth: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

When we find ourselves at a loss for words or direction, we can find comfort in knowing that God understands our hearts even when we don't know what to say or do. He knows our needs and desires, and He promises to guide us.

Romans 8:26 (NLT) assures us: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."

In moments of uncertainty, let's turn to the Lord, our Shepherd, with open hearts. He will lead us to peace, provide strength in our weaknesses, and hold us fast in His unwavering embrace. With every step we take, may we find comfort in His guidance and assurance.

Remember, dear friends, that you are never alone. The Shepherd walks beside you, leading you through every valley and lifting you to the mountaintops. Trust in His love, and find rest in His care.