Bearing Burdens: How to Walk with a Friend Through Grief
Bearing Burdens: How to Walk with a Friend Through Grief Grief is a universal experience. It touches every life at
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Yet, amidst our earthly pursuits and endeavors, there exists a profound call—to live before the face of God, or as the Latin phrase Coram Deo suggests.
Coram Deo means living every moment in the presence of God, under His authority, and for His glory. It encompasses the essence of the Christian life—the big idea of what we do in our lives, as theologian R.C. Sproul elucidates.
This phrase, quite literally, refers to something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of, God. It’s about acknowledging that every facet of our existence unfolds in God’s presence and is to be lived out under His sovereignty.
To live Coram Deo is to recognize the abundant life offered by Jesus (John 10:10) and understand that the Gospel extends beyond spiritual salvation to the redemption of all creation. It’s a call not just for personal salvation but for the restoration of the entire world.
As Jesus commanded us to go into all the world (Matthew 28:18-20), we understand that there is nowhere we can go to escape God’s presence (Psalms 139:7-12). This awareness leads us to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty—a recognition that if God is God, then He is indeed sovereign over every aspect of our lives.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—a healthy reverence for God’s power and awesomeness. This fear is not a commandment but a recognition of His supremacy, guiding us to align our lives with His purposes.
Understanding the fear of the Lord leads us to acknowledge that everything we do is ultimately because of our awe of something. It directs our focus back to the One who created all things, urging us not to lose sight of His sovereignty.
Moving toward God involves recognizing His presence in both direct and indirect ways. Direct movements toward God include devotionally reading scripture, prayer, and worship, while indirect movements involve actively engaging with the world and seeing God in His creation.
Embracing an eternal perspective means recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). It’s about anchoring ourselves in the love of God and embracing the limitations of being characters in God’s story.
Living Coram Deo challenges us to live every moment in the presence of God, recognizing His sovereignty, and embracing an eternal perspective. It’s about aligning our lives with His purposes, acknowledging His presence in all things, and living for His glory. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we continually seek to move toward God in both direct and indirect ways, anchoring ourselves in His love and generosity.
Bearing Burdens: How to Walk with a Friend Through Grief Grief is a universal experience. It touches every life at
Encouragement: The Spiritual Discipline That Builds People Up Opening Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV):“Therefore encourage one another and build
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