Today is Memorial Day in our nation, a day set aside to remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. The Bible’s words certainly apply to those we remember on this special day: “Give everyone what you owe him… if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).

May this day be a special time of encouragement and comfort to you, as you remember your son’s devotion to his country and his sacrifice in its service. Almost nothing is harder than losing a son or daughter — and I want to assure you that God knows the hurt and grief you bear. May you find special strength as you commit your sorrow into His hands.

May you also realize on this day that you are not alone, for others also are walking this same path. But may you especially realize that your son’s death was not useless, and on this day we should thank God for all those who paid the ultimate price to defend our nation.

Your burden of grief is understandable, but may God’s promises of comfort and peace ease your burden and give you hope for the future. After all, God knows what it is to lose a Son — and yet because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can have hope for eternal life as we put our faith and trust in Him. Put your life into His hands, for He alone could say, “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25).

Put your hope in Christ today.