Grieve With Hope

As many funerals as I attended, nothing prepared me for losing my sister twenty years ago. I found myself fighting the urge to call her and that made me grieve. Something would be randomly said or done by another person that would remind me of her and I would grieve. Watching her children grow up without her made me grieve. Missing her on birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays made me grieve.

Although I still grieve to a certain extent, I can grieve with hope because she knew the Lord. As believers, we will suffer the same agonies of separation that death brings to all people. However, our grief won’t last throughout eternity. Why is that?

#1) Because God has given each one of us a certain time on earth. (Job 14:5) We are given an finite number of years to complete the calling God has on our lives. Yet, we don’t know that number so we need to be busy about doing His work

#2) Because Jesus has conquered the sting of death for those who put their hope in Him. (1 Corinthians 15:55-56) The sting of death was separation from God. Yet, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection—death is simply a beautiful, peaceful, and joyful transition to a better place.

#3) Because our loved ones are in the presence of God. (2 Corinthians 5:8) Many of us don’t want to hear that they are in a better place because of our broken hearts. Yet, to be in a place where there’s no hate, suffering, sickness, or sin—will be incredible for each one of us.

#4) Because we will see them again and rejoice. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) Jesus is our connection with our loved ones now and throughout eternity. No amount of pain nor grief can ever compare to the incredible joy we will experience in heaven. The best family reunion of all time will be when we are reunited with loved ones in heaven.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that You would help me through my times of grief. Comfort my heart with Your words of truth so that I can bear it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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