Grief is a strange companion, walking with us through the
days when the absence of a loved one feels unbearable. The heartache of missing
those who have gone before us can be overwhelming, leaving an emptiness that no
earthly comfort can truly fill. Yet, in the midst of this sorrow, there is a
profound and unshakeable joy for those of us who know that our loved ones
believed the record that God gave of His Son.
As believers, we have a unique hope that sustains us even in
our deepest pain. The Apostle John writes in 1 John 5:11-12 , “And this is the
record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He
that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not
life.” These words remind us that eternal life is not just a distant promise
but a present reality for those who are in Christ. Our loved ones who have
passed away in the faith are not lost; they are alive in the presence of God,
experiencing the fullness of joy that we can only imagine.
Yet, knowing this does not erase the pain we feel. The void
left by their absence is real, and the grief can be intense. Jesus Himself
understood the depths of human sorrow. When He stood at the tomb of His friend
Lazarus, knowing that He was about to raise him from the dead, the shortest
verse in the Bible tells us, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35, Even the Son of God, who
had power over death, grieved in his
humanity! This verse shows us that it is not only natural but also deeply human
to grieve.
However, our grief is tempered by the knowledge that our
loved ones are in a place of perfect peace and joy. They wouldn’t return to
this world of suffering even if they could. The Apostle Paul writes in
Philippians 1:23 , “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to
depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” Paul’s words echo the
truth that being with Christ is far better than anything this world can offer.
Our loved ones are in a place where pain, tears, and sorrow are no more, as
Revelation 21:4 , promises: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
As we walk through the valley of grief, we cling to the hope
that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of our Savior.
This hope does not diminish our sorrow but gives it a purpose. We mourn, but
not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13, We weep, but our tears are
mingled with the assurance that we will see them again.
In the meantime, the longing in our hearts serves as a
reminder of the depth of our love and the reality of eternity. The pain of
their absence is a testament to the love that will never fade, and the joy of
their eternal life in Christ is the anchor that keeps us steady in the storm of
grief. Until that glorious day when we are reunited, we live in the tension of
sorrow and joy, knowing that one day, all our tears will be wiped away, and the
longing in our hearts will be satisfied in the presence of the One who
conquered death.
So, as we navigate the pain of missing those we hold dear,
let us take comfort in the truth of God's Word. We can trust that our loved
ones are at peace, resting in the joy of their Savior. And though we grieve, we
also rejoice, for we know that this separation is only temporary. One day, we
will be together again, and the joy of that reunion will far outweigh the pain
we now feel. Until then, may the Lord hold us close, giving us strength to
endure and hope to carry on.
The greatest joy of eternity in my Savior will be to be with Him and all else will be meaningless. It will be wonderful to fall at His feet and know with a certainty that I will never sin or disappoint my Heavenly Father again. Thank you for your loving words.
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