Right. Grief. Everyone’s favorite topic.
I don’t want to waste any space, so I’ll just jump right in with some quick reflections from a grief night we had at our church Sunday called “When the Lord Takes Away”.
1. We ultimately grieve as a result of sin.
Sometimes we grieve a loss due to someone else’s direct sin and responsibility. Sometimes we grieve due to Adam and Eve’s sin, which IS (and NO I DON’T mean this as a cliche) the reason messed up things happen.
Some of the worst situations come about when someone has sinned but justice escapes those victimized by the sin.
2. Calling grief an “inward limp” makes a lot of sense.
One of our participants likened her grief to an “inward limp”. What a great analogy. When you limp outwardly, you will do things to compensate. You may lean on a crutch or cane. You may strengthen or weaken other muscles due to the limp. Translate that to the inward affects of grief and you’ll make some great connections.
3. Believers in Jesus Christ grieve with hope.
Overwhelming stories of loss can stun us. But, what happens when hope overwhelms the overwhelming? That’s the truth of Jesus Christ. The hope of eternal life CAN apply to every day and long term struggles. Trusting in God’s sovereignty gives people shelter from doubt, fear, and worry.
I Thessalonians 4:13: “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”
Think. Why does grief happen? Do you have a framework for processing your grief?
Act. If you’re struggling through grief, keep processing and finding ways to let God lead you and guide you. If you know someone struggling, do your best to help without saying too much.