Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted..” – Matthew 5:4
Helplessness, empathy, grief and sorrow are all feelings that envelope someone when they discover that someone they hold dear has loss a family member. What are the words that we are supposed to have to comfort them during this time of mourning? Most of us have been there; struggling to find the right thing to say, only to realize that there are no words that can make the hurt go away.
Death is an inevitable reality that must be faced head on by every one of us. It is, by no means an experience that can be described as joyful, but rather the exact opposite. The finality of the life of someone close ushers us into an experience of mourning, as we struggle with the emotions and cherished memories. Despite our knowledge that death is coming our preparedness is never complete. In these moments, there is often times a brief encounter with God which includes anger, blame and selfishness. We all look for answers to the why question, and in most cases there are no answers that bring comfort.
In our humanity we look for the cause, to reach closure we must justify the death in our own mind. By doing so, we can rationalize the event and in many cases find a state of peace with it. When there is no justification, we look to the Creator, as Sovereign Lord and Omnipotent Father, and find Him to blame for the death of a loved one. He, who controls all things, must have been able to control this situation. So why would He allow this? Did you know this reaction is actually captured in scripture?
In John 11:17-43, we read of Lazarus’ death and resurrection at the calling of Jesus. Before Lazarus died his sisters had asked Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus did not. Then after Lazarus death and upon Jesus arrival at the grave site, they actually chastised and accused Him of not coming to save their brother. In verse 37 we find others also accusing Jesus, “But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” The same way many of us accuse God when our loved one’s aren’t healed, they accused Christ in that day. What is captured in verse 40 though is the key: “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” The death of Lazarus gave Jesus Christ the opportunity to demonstrate His divinity and authority over even death, by bringing Lazarus back from the dead.
Just like Mary and Martha, we cannot always see the reason for the unexpected death of a loved one. We will not be able to make sense of it, to justify it or to reconcile it. Mourning, grieving and the selfishness of wanting that person alive is inherent in all of us and must be expressed. The message though, is that God the Father loved that person as much or even more than you did. He knows the pain, hurt and suffering as deeply and intimately as you do. Most times we turn away from Him during these moments and in doing so, shut out the only One who can help us overcome our grief. From the pain and hurt we often feel, He can do great things, if we are able to open our hearts to His love and quit blaming Him.
Accept the fact that His love endures life and death. Accept that He will give you comfort in these times, and knowledge that eternity is real and that life on this earth is but a spec on the infinite timeline of existence. Draw close to Him and trust that there is a future for you with that loved one, and this time without them is but a very short moment. In the mourning and grieving period we must learn that God is our strength and that we do not have all of the answers in life. Recognize His love and grace as the source of your comfort, for there is nothing on this earth that can ease the pain.
Death is an inevitable reality that must be faced head on by every one of us. It is, by no means an experience that can be described as joyful, but rather the exact opposite. The finality of the life of someone close ushers us into an experience of mourning, as we struggle with the emotions and cherished memories. Despite our knowledge that death is coming our preparedness is never complete. In these moments, there is often times a brief encounter with God which includes anger, blame and selfishness. We all look for answers to the why question, and in most cases there are no answers that bring comfort.
In our humanity we look for the cause, to reach closure we must justify the death in our own mind. By doing so, we can rationalize the event and in many cases find a state of peace with it. When there is no justification, we look to the Creator, as Sovereign Lord and Omnipotent Father, and find Him to blame for the death of a loved one. He, who controls all things, must have been able to control this situation. So why would He allow this? Did you know this reaction is actually captured in scripture?
In John 11:17-43, we read of Lazarus’ death and resurrection at the calling of Jesus. Before Lazarus died his sisters had asked Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus did not. Then after Lazarus death and upon Jesus arrival at the grave site, they actually chastised and accused Him of not coming to save their brother. In verse 37 we find others also accusing Jesus, “But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” The same way many of us accuse God when our loved one’s aren’t healed, they accused Christ in that day. What is captured in verse 40 though is the key: “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” The death of Lazarus gave Jesus Christ the opportunity to demonstrate His divinity and authority over even death, by bringing Lazarus back from the dead.
Just like Mary and Martha, we cannot always see the reason for the unexpected death of a loved one. We will not be able to make sense of it, to justify it or to reconcile it. Mourning, grieving and the selfishness of wanting that person alive is inherent in all of us and must be expressed. The message though, is that God the Father loved that person as much or even more than you did. He knows the pain, hurt and suffering as deeply and intimately as you do. Most times we turn away from Him during these moments and in doing so, shut out the only One who can help us overcome our grief. From the pain and hurt we often feel, He can do great things, if we are able to open our hearts to His love and quit blaming Him.
Accept the fact that His love endures life and death. Accept that He will give you comfort in these times, and knowledge that eternity is real and that life on this earth is but a spec on the infinite timeline of existence. Draw close to Him and trust that there is a future for you with that loved one, and this time without them is but a very short moment. In the mourning and grieving period we must learn that God is our strength and that we do not have all of the answers in life. Recognize His love and grace as the source of your comfort, for there is nothing on this earth that can ease the pain.
If you feel led, please share this with those who may be grieving at this time. Be there for them, not to solve their problems, but just to be there. Love them, comfort them and renew their confidence that God is a loving Father.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
No comments:
Post a Comment