Grief is the experience of coping with some form of loss. Most of us think of grief as happening in the painful period following the death of a loved one. But grief can accompany any event that disrupts or challenges our sense of normalcy in our daily lives. Grief can be brought on by many reasons; the loss of a loved one in death or some form of dementia, broken relationships, the regret of wrong choices, disappointments in life and people, bad health, home life, financial burdens and many other forms.
Grief comes to our souls through our disappointments, hurt, loss and pain and has a way of isolating us. Oftentimes when we suffer, we do so alone. I believe for the most part, that is why suffering is so dark and painful. Our grieving can be described as emotions that “come in waves.” It can feel as if our emotions wash over us without warning. One minute, life may feel as if it were back to normal, and the next, we find ourselves in tears.
When we suffer in a state of grief alone, we become the sole inhabitant of the earth, or at least it feels that way. I am no stranger to this exile of mourning. I have felt it many times, especially when the plans that I have hoped for went south and I found myself alone and unable to change them. That familiar and unwelcome intruder that makes us the loneliest person in the world.
I recall reading a comment once from someone that I had much respect for that had been experiencing deep grief and said, "I escaped to the church sanctuary to pray. It looked dark and empty, the blackness relieved only by the dim, red glow of the exit sign. I felt my way to a pew and sat down. Resting my head on the back of the pew in front of me, I let the tears flow and prayed without words."
My friend said that after a few moments they sat up and opened their eyes and as their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they discovered that they were not alone in the sanctuary. In the room were three or four others praying in the darkness as well. The darkness had deceived my friend, for the truth was, that they were not alone after all. My friend discovered that day that the presence of God, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit that dwells within every believer, had of course been there all the time. But they had let the darkness of their painful emotions convince them that they were alone.
They had chosen to surrender to those dark feelings of hopelessness, holding on to their loss and grief instead of the promises that God gives His children. Matthew 11:29, says, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This verse emphasizes the invitation for us to learn how to lift our burdens to Jesus and find peace; If we will come to Jesus taking His yoke, by surrendering the bleak desperate feelings of disappointment, and the deception that the enemy of our soul wants to fill us with if we listen to him. Jesus will take those feelings and replace them with a peace that only Jesus can give.
I am reminded today of the words of Jesus in John 14:16-18, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Yes, another Helper, God's Spirit Himself; that is the promise. Another Helper to do for us all that Jesus could and would do if He were physically present.
The peace of God is a tranquil state of mind and being. It comes through a believer's faith that arises when they submit to and trust in God's word and promises and is anchored in God's character, fulfilled through Christ, and applied in a believer's life by the Holy Spirit. This peace is characterized by a calm presence amidst chaos, transcending circumstances and providing assurance. Ultimately, it is what every believer longs for and is provided through a personal relationship with God himself through the work that His Son did on the cross; for all who will come and receive it. Will you come today sweet friend and receive the promise of God for your life?
Hold Fast, -Bren
