“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . . .” Psalm 23:4
Jesus wept at the death of His friend, even though He knew that at His command, Lazarus would be resurrected. Mourning does not mean that we don’t believe, but it is a natural process of letting go, even if just for a time.
In his book Traveling Light Max Lucado writes, “Why does grief linger? Because you are dealing with more than memories - you are dealing with unlived tomorrows. You’re not just battling disappointment; you’re battling anger . . . Why? Why him? Why now? Why us?”
He suggests that the key truth to stand on is that our God is a good God. Long ago God knew that we each would face the pain of death and He provided a way to soften the pain. He allowed His son to taste death for us, so that in accepting His death on our behalf, we can have hope . . . the hope of eternal life. Lucado explains that two thousand years ago the truck of death ran over the Lord Jesus in order that only its shadow might run over us. I think of a shadow as being temporary. Once it passes, we see the light. Our loved one is beholding that light, while we wait on God to restore our soul with hope. Without hope, we are in a jungle with no way out, but seeing the rescue helicopter changes everything. Our surroundings have not changed, but hope has changed everything.
So we mourn, but not as those who have no hope. “And I- in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” Psalm 17:15
Jesus wept at the death of His friend, even though He knew that at His command, Lazarus would be resurrected. Mourning does not mean that we don’t believe, but it is a natural process of letting go, even if just for a time.
In his book Traveling Light Max Lucado writes, “Why does grief linger? Because you are dealing with more than memories - you are dealing with unlived tomorrows. You’re not just battling disappointment; you’re battling anger . . . Why? Why him? Why now? Why us?”
He suggests that the key truth to stand on is that our God is a good God. Long ago God knew that we each would face the pain of death and He provided a way to soften the pain. He allowed His son to taste death for us, so that in accepting His death on our behalf, we can have hope . . . the hope of eternal life. Lucado explains that two thousand years ago the truck of death ran over the Lord Jesus in order that only its shadow might run over us. I think of a shadow as being temporary. Once it passes, we see the light. Our loved one is beholding that light, while we wait on God to restore our soul with hope. Without hope, we are in a jungle with no way out, but seeing the rescue helicopter changes everything. Our surroundings have not changed, but hope has changed everything.
So we mourn, but not as those who have no hope. “And I- in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” Psalm 17:15
9 comments:
those are beautiful thoughts......
when our friend died at a young age, our son was very young.
His conclusion was, that as Christians, death was lifes greatest gift, because of the hope we had in Jesus. I thought that to be very profound for a 10 year old.
May we all cling to that hope of seeing not our our loved ones again but the face of Jesus.......
Thinking of your family and praying for you! I saw this quote in an obituary and want to share it with you as a picture of your loved one going to be with Jesus:
"I am standing at the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud, just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. . . . And just at the moment when someone at my side says: 'There, she is gone!' there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: 'Here she comes!' And that is dying." by Henry van Dyke
Anneliese, Thank you for the wonderful posts you have written this week... I have enjoyed them very much!
~Maria
Hope...what helps in those times of grief. Thanks for sharing...in your time of grief.
You express your thoughts so well. Yes...those unlived tomorrows that we dream and plan for. So glad you share the hope that we have in Christ. May the arms of God's comfort embrace each of you in the coming days. Love Kathy
Anneliese .. .these thoughts on your mourning are so beautifully expressed.
I am thinking of you. . .and pray that you sense God's comfort for you and you family.
thank you for the post, aunt lisa. you're right... it's the mourning for the unlived tomorrows, the vacations, the holidays, the weddings to come, the grandkids that may come along that will never know him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families Anneliese.
May you be comforted and give comfort.
I appreciate you keeping us posted.
Oh Anneliese...you have such a comforting post. How difficult this time must be for your family and those who are in grieving. Prayers are extended for all of you.
Post a Comment