On Grief

"I don't know how someone gets through grief when they don't know God." Have you ever heard this statement? It is a recognition of the help God gives us as we walk through the difficult journey after the death of a loved one. We recently have lost 3 young people in our church. Over the last couple of months, a young father died suddenly after surgery, a young newlywed died of leukemia, and a baby died of heart problems. Each death was difficult in it's own way and there are many people at our church who are hurting.

Over the years I have had the experience of walking through the grief process with many people. It is clear to me that those who know God traverse the journey in a more healthy manner than those who don't. For a non-Christian, the death of a close loved one leaves a hole that doesn't heal and can breed bitterness and anger which lasts a long time. For a Christian, grief is still painful but as God heals us, we are left with a scar that is actually stronger than the original. I can attest to this in my own life, as well as other's lives. It is the fact that we have trusted God through the difficult times that we can help others through their difficult times.

Grief is not something anyone wants to have to go through but be assured, my friend, that if you have to go through it, God will be there. You will look back and see His healing presence at every turn, in every step. It is truly easier to go through holding His hand. If you don't know God already, ask Him for the help you need to get through whatever you are gong through. He loves you!