Suffering and grief
Maundy Thursday
“God has made me a success in the land where I suffered.” ~ Genesis 41:52b (CEV)
Jesus told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” ~ Mark 14:34 (NLT)
Lord, I feel like there is too much suffering and grief in life. Sometimes it is overwhelming and I let it all get the best of me. I begin to doubt that you are relevant to my situation. But then, somehow, the good news of your message always seems to breakthrough the clouds. Eventually, the grief is disarmed. It still bothers me that there is suffering but I am confident that you understand. You have experienced more suffering than I could ever bear. Yet, you remained faithful and defeated death for us. I'm so thankful. Keep me mindful of your victory -- especially during the next few days as we revisit the story of Jesus' painful death and then his glorious resurrection. Amen.
TRANSLATIONS
ABP = Authorized Boydston Paraphrase — my own freestyle biblical adaptation — somewhere between paraphrase, commentary, and sermon
CEB = Common English Bible (©2011, the Common English Bible)
CEV = Contemporary English Version (©1995, American Bible Society)
MSG = The Message (©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)
NIRV = New International Reader's Version (©1996, 1998, Biblica)
NIV = New International Version (©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica)
NLT = New Living Translation (©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, Tyndale House Foundation)
