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- Apr 25, 2006
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LOSING SOMEONE.
'I will...exchange their sorrow for rejoicing' Jeremiah 31:13
How do you deal with the heartbreak, anger and questions of losing someone? Go to Jesus. He has total, endless compassion. You can find Him at the scene of death and grief in the story of Lazarus (John 11.) There, we find out a few things about His reaction to grief...
1) Jesus allows us to question. When Lazarus died, Martha asked, in effect, "Where were you when we needed you, Lord?!" Jesus wasn't upset with her. That's because God's response in these situations is to 'never cease' in love. And Lamentations 3:22 (ESV) says it is 'steadfast love'. That means it's fixed and never moves. It's more permanent than the oldest stars in the universe. It will be there long after the last light in space goes out.
2) Jesus shows us how to grieve. 'Jesus wept', not because He was powerless, but because He was human and He felt like a human. He was our example in this. Working through grief isn't a problem to get over, it's seriously important for the soul. So feel deeply, relate honestly, and stay open to healing. AND don't feel the need to rush any of it. If you keep open to those who care about you, but allow yourself space to work it all out, you'll be just fine.
3) Jesus gives us hope. "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.' (John 11:11 ESV) The resurrection is a God-given, history-proven truth. When you're ready to look at your situation in the light of the resurrection, you will "be lifted on wings like eagles'" yourself. God will rise you up, as well as your loved ones.
What now? Are you running from pain? Are you trading it in for some other feeling without dealing with it? Or maybe you're even allowing yourself to wallow on your own, ignoring your friends' love for you? None of these are God's way. He says 'you will weep and mourn... but [eventually] your grief will turn to joy' (John 16:20 NIV).
written by Bob Gass
'I will...exchange their sorrow for rejoicing' Jeremiah 31:13
How do you deal with the heartbreak, anger and questions of losing someone? Go to Jesus. He has total, endless compassion. You can find Him at the scene of death and grief in the story of Lazarus (John 11.) There, we find out a few things about His reaction to grief...
1) Jesus allows us to question. When Lazarus died, Martha asked, in effect, "Where were you when we needed you, Lord?!" Jesus wasn't upset with her. That's because God's response in these situations is to 'never cease' in love. And Lamentations 3:22 (ESV) says it is 'steadfast love'. That means it's fixed and never moves. It's more permanent than the oldest stars in the universe. It will be there long after the last light in space goes out.
2) Jesus shows us how to grieve. 'Jesus wept', not because He was powerless, but because He was human and He felt like a human. He was our example in this. Working through grief isn't a problem to get over, it's seriously important for the soul. So feel deeply, relate honestly, and stay open to healing. AND don't feel the need to rush any of it. If you keep open to those who care about you, but allow yourself space to work it all out, you'll be just fine.
3) Jesus gives us hope. "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.' (John 11:11 ESV) The resurrection is a God-given, history-proven truth. When you're ready to look at your situation in the light of the resurrection, you will "be lifted on wings like eagles'" yourself. God will rise you up, as well as your loved ones.
What now? Are you running from pain? Are you trading it in for some other feeling without dealing with it? Or maybe you're even allowing yourself to wallow on your own, ignoring your friends' love for you? None of these are God's way. He says 'you will weep and mourn... but [eventually] your grief will turn to joy' (John 16:20 NIV).
written by Bob Gass
