As I shared in my previous post, I recently lost my mother unexpectedly. Today is the first of many firsts over the coming year. My first Easter without her.
Unfortunately, the terrible pain of losing a loved one is something almost everyone experiences. No matter how imminent the death, nothing prepares us for the emotional rollercoaster that we will encounter. We won’t see our loved one’s face again in this life. We won’t enjoy their company. We won’t be able to tell them how much we love them.
Although there are generally stages of grief, each person sets his or her own pace. There will be ups and downs, moments of relief followed by moments of anguish.
According to C.S. Lewis, “Grief turns out to be not a state but a process. Grief is like a winding road where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.”
In Matthew 5:4, Jesus says ‘blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted…’ Jesus is implying that God cares deeply for everyone and hears all who call out to him. He will be with us during our darkest moments of sorrow. I created the acronym below to illustrate the comfort and hope that He brings amid the grief process.
Grace is, “the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.” We can have consolation in the thought that God has showered His grace on our loved one and he/she is now in a peaceful place with no more pain or sorrow. Through His loving grace, He will also help us to overcome our sorrow. When you are feeling overwhelmed by grief, pray Psalm 119:28 – “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”
John 16:33 says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” In this passage, Jesus says we will endure suffering, yet our hope is not in what we experience on earth. Our enduring hope can be found in Jesus Christ alone and the undeserved grace and love that He gives to us.
