Hope in the Midst of Grief

Although hope can be mixed with grief at the passing of another believer in Christ, this strong and sometimes overwhelming emotion at their death is hard to explain, and even harder to manage. Our minds tell us that we will see this loved one again, but our hearts miss their voice or touch. We understand that they are in a far better place, yet that place is at a distance that neither of us can travel. We’ve not lost them forever, but the current loss is almost unbearable if it were not for the grace of our Lord and the truth of His Word in which we trust.

We remember their words of encouragement, smile, and joy during life’s events that we traveled together, their laugh and sense of humor at just the right times, and the way they gave an embrace in times of sorrow. No one can replace them, and we do not forget them. The heart expands to include others and our minds become occupied with another that brings a new source of love and laughter. God is gracious, as the only constant in our lives, to grant the capacity to come to enjoy others of family and friends that can bring some measure of meeting our needs sufficiently.

Meditations:
1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

John 11:35 Jesus wept.