Are you feeling the pain of loss today?
There are times when we go through great heartache. I am feeling that sorrow because my lovely, retired Hearing dog Goldie, has had to be put to sleep. It’s also a year since my Mum died. It’s hard to believe I will never see her or my dog again in this life.
How do we walk that path of missing someone we love? As Christians we can be blasé at times and even imply that it’s wrong to mourn as it shows lack of faith. I know of a Mum who died after a long battle with cancer and the Dad wouldn’t allow himself, or even his children, to cry because he feared undermining the joy of her being in heaven. Of course, that is a real joy and consolation, but the bible shows that it is natural and right that we mourn even while we rejoice. Loss is part of this life and the Psalmists all expressed its heartache.
Last week a dear friend shared her devastation over a recent bereavement and cried ‘how will I ever get through this?’ Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb even while knowing that he would soon raise Lazarus to life again. Why did he weep? Psalm 56:8 says: ‘You have collected all my tears in a bottle.’ He weeps with our tears and feels the pain of our infirmities. He feels our sorrows and literally carried them to the cross. He came to be with us to bring the deepest comfort to all who mourn. Our tears matter to him so much, yet He alone can bring us real peace and hope.
I am missing my mum and my dog but it brings great comfort to know that Jesus cares and will help me get through this. He is walking the ‘deep sunless valley’ with me and all of us, just as David expressed in Psalm 23. Companionship,care and understanding from a close friend are so important and Jesus is that friend always. He also knows when we need to share our feelings, have a hug or the quiet kindness of empathy, shown by a loving card or time out with a friend.
May your heart be opened today to know that Jesus cares and is with you. Underneath are the everlasting arms of His love. If you are weeping, He weeps too even while holding out to you the precious gift of comfort, hope and peace.
