My heart has been so tendered as I have watched several friends walk through a season of deep grief. Some have lost a child years ago and others just a year ago. Through a season of personal grief the Lord graciously showed me the effects of grief, the weight of the sorrow, and many things I think we as followers of Christ should understand about grief. First, there is no time limit on one’s grief. For some the grief does not last as long but for others it does. We need to be a persistent people to care for others going through grief. We never know when it will be a season in our own future. Christ, Himself, was moved by others grief. Remember, when Mary and Martha were so grieved by Lazarus’ death? Christ saw their tears and groaned…
We tend to forget others in their grief…can I be honest here? For I, too, am guilty. Life goes on for us..yet for those in grief it has come to a paralyzing halt. Each day seems an eternity. Probably one of the best examples I’ve seen for those in grief is my mom. I’ve watched her beside the bed of her close friend’s son as He was dying. She would wipe his face with a wet rag as if he were her own son with tears running down her face. She spent nights in the hospital to be near and virtually dropped everything in her own life to love them through the sorrow. Not because she had to….but because of love. I want to be like this for others. Later, I have watched her answer the phone and talk for hours to a grieving mother who lost her child and weep when she weeps. It seems God brought out a beautiful gift in my mom during such a tragedy. And when the grief overwhelms still she has lovingly urged one out of a bed of depression to give her some retail therapy:)
I’m not sure I have measured up to my mom in this area. But I have sure learned much from watching her. I am sure Jesus was well pleased as she poured herself out for the sake of loving one through grief.
Today I know Christ has purpose that comes from deep grief and loss. The rain of affliction is so heavy at times. Whether your grief is a physical loss, a loss of a dream, loss of health, or just loss of anything at all….there is a process to grief. It really is true. If you are grieving today a loss….Christ has a plan to use it all. All the tears, all the pain, and He will, Himself, love you through it. Don’t rush the process…for there is purpose in each stage. And if you know of one grieving…check on them often. They will need many touches by others for hope to remain and strength to be replenished.
When Loss Comes…
It’s when loss comes in closest kind
And “friends” you near and calls you “mine”
It’s when the grief is home with you
That now you love with deeper hues.
For now the pain and anguished thorn
Pierces through from recent storms
Yet God has set affliction’s rain
To meet a need come future days.
The cries you hear and see afresh
Will never go unheard or left
For in thine remembrance and loss of heart
CHRIST did gather the broken parts.
