By Gina Caswell Kelly
This has been a tough week in many respects. Our community has been dealing with the loss of a baby that was so near to being ready to greet his little family, but instead was born in heaven. Then we received word that a young high school age boy who had been fighting cancer with so much faith and strength was finally given rest from his battle in the arms of Jesus. Such different situations. Yet such pain in loss in both.
As Christians, we struggle with the why’s when tragedy strikes. Especially in the lives of our young ones. We want to understand, yet understanding just does not come. And it won’t in this life. We are not meant to understand everything that goes on around us. We are just meant to continue to hold tight to the Savior as we travel whatever road is in front of us. We take comfort in knowing that He knows the road. He knew these days were coming for us. He continues to have a plan for our lives, even in our pain.
As one who has seen days of pain and wondering why, I have found many reliable promises from God in His Word. My personal favorite is from Lamentations. In Lamentations 3:32, it says, “Even though He allows grief, He also brings compassion. So great is His unfailing love.”
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 49:13 says, “For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.”
In Psalm 139:12, David writes, “Even the darkness is not dark to You. The night is bright as the day.” This means that even in our darkness, He is light to us and will shine through our dark days of sorrow.
Another personal favorite is John 14:1 -4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.”
Then in Revelation 21:4, it says, “He will wipe away every tear form their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old will have passed away.” Then He goes on and says, “I am making all things new.”
Then, finally in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” What Paul is saying is that as Christians, we have hope when we lose loved ones who also knew Jesus. We have hope in the knowledge that we will see them again one day in heaven.
Oh my goodness! What comfort is found in the Savior and in His Word. To those grieving, I would say open your hands. Let go of what you are holding on to so tightly. Let Him have it. Lean into Him and let Him bear your sorrows with you.
To those walking along side those who have experienced such loss, pray without ceasing. Pray God’s comfort and peace for these people you love so much. Stand quietly by their side. Offer God’s peace. Knowing who holds tomorrow and knowing He holds your hand makes all the difference.
Please continue to pray for those around us who are struggling today.
