Matthew 5:4 ESV
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
We all experience grief at some point in our life. This year has been a period full of significant change along with substantial losses for me. “Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away.” (helpguide.org)
Perhaps, you are like me, and you remember the dates that hold a special place in your heart. Today, October 4th would have been my grandpa Jerry’s 90th birthday. In addition, this day should have been my ninth wedding anniversary.
Right now, I am grieving. I am grieving the “what ifs” of my former marriage. I’m also feeling the sadness of the sale and comforts of having my own house, giving away a pet, and the ability to call and talk to my grandpa. I feel sorrow because I long to hear Gramp’s voice. There are many moments throughout the day when the sadness hits me unexpectedly.
I do know I am not alone, however. Jesus is here sitting with me in my grief. He is our comforter. Psalm 34:18 from the English Standard Version states, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” He is comforting me by His presence in this hard space.
You are Never Alone
The Holy Spirit did prompt me to write on this personal and vulnerable area to encourage and remind you that you are never alone in your grief. He is our comforter. The Lord is with you! The book of Isaiah reminds us, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (v. 41:13 ESV)
It is also healthy to allow yourself to grieve. In the Bible, we see Jesus grieve. In the gospel of John, Jesus hears the news that his friend Lazarus has died. Then verse 11:35 tells us, “Jesus wept.” (ESV) We see Jesus acknowledge the immense hurt he was feeling from this loss and He expresses this pain by weeping.
Grief is Unique
The grief process is unique to each individual. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Time is also irrelevant. You are allowed to feel what you need to feel in order to get to the stage of acceptance. In this stage, you are not forgetting what happened, but instead, you have peace with the situation. While I miss my grandpa terribly, I do have a tangible peace and hope, fully knowing that he is in heaven!
In conclusion, we grieve because we have loved. This anonymous quote accurately sums up the grief process. “Grief never ends… But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… It is the price of love.” Remember, He is our comforter.
