Loss is a part of life. When our loses are severe, we feel as if a light has gone out inside of us. And nothing can turn it back on except the restoration of that which is no more. It leaves a hole in our heart the size of the Grand Canyon. But even if what was lost can never be brought back, the part of our life that has died as a result can be made to live again. When we walk in the light of God’s resurrecting power, He can sooth our pain, heal our wounds, and fill the empty places in our hearts.
During the dark times of loss, whether it is the death of a loved one, a crippling disease or injury, divorce, a straying child, the end of a relationship, or the loss of home and finances, we grieve because someone or something we love is no longer part of us. Life as we once knew it is forever destroyed. The way we envisioned our future-with that person, with that security, with that capability-is severely shattered. These kinds of losses can bring such pain that we wonder if we will survive them, and if we do, will we ever feel anything other than the pain? Will we hurt forever? Will life ever feel normal again?
If you suffer any kind of loss, don’t try to get your arms around it. Let God get His arms around you. He knows your suffering and will give you the comfort of His presence and the healing balm of His love. If you walk step-by-step with God though each day of your loss, in time this pain that seems to be without end will actually subside and you will know happiness again.
There is no medal given for getting over loss quickly, so don’t rush the healing process. Submit to every stage of it to your Heavenly Father. Waves of grief come and go and return again when you least expect them. Even when you begin to forget, something will suddenly remind you of what you lost, and you will feel the pain all over again. Don’t dread those times. Embrace the Lord in them. All moments traveled on this road will bring another part of the healing. Every tear will cleanse a layer of the wound. Each memory will become a soothing ointment to the soul.
When a tragedy happens, it’s normal to feel that life has come to a complete standstill. But it is life as you knew it that has stopped. Your new life, without that which was lost, is going forward. You just can’t see it yet. Even though it is hard to imagine the future being any different than it is at that moment, healing and restoration are happening. You won’t always feel this way. There will be an end. The loss may have been sudden, but the transition to your new life must be traveled one step at a time.
In times of loss, reach up and take Your Heavenly Father’s hand. He wants to comfort you and shoulder your grief. He wants to walk with you and bear your burdens. Seek His steadying arm moment by moment and He will draw you closer to Him. Even if your well of tears seem to never run dry, continue to walk in the light of God’s presence, and you will make it through the river of grief to the other side. If you can’t see ahead, it is okay. God will not only provide enough light for your next step, he will also enable you to take it.
There is hope to be found in the midst of your pain. God invites you to hold nothing back, not even your raw emotions. In God’s loving presence you will find hope. The darkness, heartbreak, the sorrow, and the grief are not permanent. The Lord’s compassion never fails. He is good to those who hope in Him, who seek Him, who wait quietly for Him.
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Edited by Shalom on 07/24/2010 18:53
Prayer Partner sign-ups are available for this month. This admin missed her month. My apologies. SIgn-ups are available until Wednesday to catch anyone gone for the holiday weekend.
Hi ladies, blessings to you summer! Haven't been here in a while but been thinking of you! Thought I missed out on the september prayer partners but can't find it anywhere?
I wish I was able to follow all that is going on with all you lovely ladies. Know despite that I pray for all of you & am so blessed to have you in my life!
In times of loss, reach up and take Your Heavenly Father’s hand. He wants to comfort you and shoulder your grief. He wants to walk with you and bear your burdens. Seek His steadying arm moment by moment and He will draw you closer to Him. Even if your well of tears seem to never run dry, continue to walk in the light of God’s presence, and you will make it through the river of grief to the other side. If you can’t see ahead, it is okay. God will not only provide enough light for your next step, he will also enable you to take it.
