“The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
In a few days, it will be the fifth anniversary of my husband Terry’s “home-going.” I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone and somehow, I have settled into a different life. The Navigator ministry has a phrase, “God doesn’t waste our pain.” It’s so true! The sadness and pain we experience in this life works for us “a far greater and eternal weight of glory.” I will be co-leading a new GriefShare 13 week cycle next month. The pain our group has experienced on our grief journeys is an opportunity to share with others how Christ has comforted us.
I received a text from a young woman who had recently lost her mother. She was grieving over her loss and hoped to find relief and help from others in a similar situation. Since I lost my mother when I was 16 years old, I was able to speak to her heart. I know the pain of losing a mother. No one can ever take her place! I had a wonderful mother-in-law and step-mother, but they never really understood me like my mother! Coming alongside a grieving person is a powerful thing! They are very vulnerable. After my mother went to be with the Lord, a lady whom I didn’t know, a visitor to my church said a profound thing that stuck with me. She said, “I understand what you’re going through, I lost my mother when I was 16, too!” Other people offered to help our family, I was the oldest child at home, but she gave me hope! She understood! The young woman who texted me was cleaning out her mother’s house, getting it ready to sell. O, the flood of emotions and fond memories that brought! There is a big hole in her heart that only the God of all Comfort can fill! “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.
In my early days, this scripture spoke to my heart and brought healing: “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16. God knew at conception how many days our loved ones would be given on earth! He knows the length of our days at the beginning of life and nothing changes His plans! Through my tears, I am content with that because I know He does all things well!
GriefShare has some phrases that are comforting and thought provoking. Here are a few of them.
Grief is:
- A celebration of a good gift from God.
- The price you pay for loving someone
- To avoid grief, never love anyone!
- Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He would do!
- Honor your loved ones death by moving forward!
- Grieving takes energy, give yourself time!
- Self-care: drink, exercise, eat, rest
- Develop a strong relationship with the Lord through Bible study and prayer
- God is your refuge and strength, run to Him often!
- Stay connected with the Body of Christ, be grateful for their care.
- Men and women grieve differently, there’s no right way! Be a conduit of hope to others.
Your love relationship with the Lord is the key to healing. Go to Him often. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” Psalm 46:1…….”sorrowful, yet always rejoicing!” 2 Corinthians 6:10
Your friend, Jean