Joy Comes in the Mourning
Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath. — Genesis 35:19

Jacob had experienced renewal in his relationship with God, but that did not mean life became easy for him. In the first years after his return home, Jacob experienced grief from the deaths of his beloved wife, Rachel, and of his father, Isaac. Death is a reality for everyone living in this world. Even our closest human relationships cannot be shielded from its power. Perhaps, as you read this, you have an empty place in your life left by the death of a loved one. Grief is natural, even for people who have put their hope in God. It signifies that the person who has died was important to us.
But because of the hope that we have in God, we know, grief does not have the last word.

Jacob continues to live in the hope of God’s promise, and he experiences the comfort of human relationships as he shares the grief of Isaac’s death with his reconciled brother. But God has given even greater hope for believers who follow Christ. Because Jesus has died and risen again, we trust that God will also raise those who have died with faith in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We may grieve, but we grieve as those who move forward in the hope of God’s promise. May that hope be yours today as well.


WORD
Psalm 30:5 | For His anger is but for a moment,His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
John 15:11 | These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 | Reading

READ
Luke 14 | Reading
Genesis 34-36 | Reading
Psalm 7 | Reading

WORSHIP
Think about the worship songs below and enter a time of worship. May these worship songs bless you during your time of fellowship with God.

PRAYER
Father God, give us hope in the face of death and mourning. Comfort all who grieve and sorrow, and sustain us with the confidence of your promise through Jesus Christ. Give us your perfect peace and wrap up in your arms with great hope. Amen.

SHARE
Our prayer for you in this season is to eagerly await what the Lord will do for us, in us and through us during these very special 30 days. Our heart is to spread the hope of Jesus to the world around us. Invite your family and friends to this daily devotional, save the image below, and share via social media!
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Prayer & Devotional Tips
Before you even begin your devotion, start with a prayer asking God to share His wisdom with you. The Bible says in James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” By reaching out to God at the beginning of your devotion, you'll be more likely to feel His presence.
Prayer Requests & Testimonies
Our prayer for you over the next thirty days is that your passion for God and His Word will be ignited, and that you will develop a hunger for His presence that is greater than ever before! We pray you make a spiritual investment and seek clarity in the areas of spiritual, personal, family and community. Don’t ever settle for anything less than a life full of passion and spiritual zeal for God. Keep the fire for God burning in your heart and do whatever it takes to feed your spiritual hunger for God.

Each day of prayer and fasting, we encourage you to keep a daily journal. Write any revelations that God gives you about yourself and about life in general. Share your prayer requests and your testimonies. Let's go into the War Room together!
Fallbrook Church | 281.444.2733 | www.fallbrookchurch.org