In times of grief

Consider how much time, effort, energy, and resources we exert to be and stay happy in this life. We do all we can to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy and well. Yet, we are regularly dragged down by the troubles and tragedies of life, and sorrow and sadness are realities of life more than we wish them to be. Sometimes, when an elderly person passes away, we comfort ourselves by saying, “They lived a long, full life!” What do we say when the person who passes away is under the age of five? Grandchildren should not be buried by their grandparents…that can’t be right, can it? We are beyond sad when we can’t change the situation.

Those who work with emotional wellness know the stages of death and dying – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The Christian is not immune to these steps of the process. How can we get to the point when we are not so consumed by the loss of a loved one – even one we may not have known personally very well or very long – and have peace restored in our lives? Well, first of all, remember that sadness in and of itself is not a sin. At the grave of his dear friend Lazarus, Jesus wept…and Jesus knew that in five minutes he would be raising Lazarus from the dead. Paul says under inspiration of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, …we do not want you…to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. When situations in this life seem hopeless, we must look to our God. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that those who fall asleep in the Lord will also be raised to life. It may not be today or this month, but that is the promise of our Savior. That turns sorrow and sadness into celebration. We speak of “losing a loved one”…but God doesn’t lose anyone. The fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday and we remember that Jesus knows all his sheep and lambs and cares for them all.