I wrote this on my blog back in October of last year, but with the passing of several friends relatives and a special friend of my own, I wanted to share it again as a reminder to help us through our grief. October 2, 2013 We mourn for our loved ones who have passed, and that is expected. However, if they were Christians, we can find comfort by celebrating the joy they are now experiencing in Christ. Yes, most certainly we are going to miss their presence in our lives…their unconditional love, their smiles and humor, the special touches that made them so uniquely ours, their kindnesses to us and others, their guidance and encouragement. All of these things create a big void, an emptiness within us and we, at times, feel as though we may be swallowed up with the grief. Perhaps that void could be filled to some degree were we to imagine our loved ones seeing Christ for the first time, of them being gathered into His arms protected and forever joyful, free of all the worldly entrapments… Unconstrained happiness in His presence. I have a big imagination, but cannot possibly comprehend the magnificence of Heaven’s glories. Think of all the beautiful things God created here on earth for us to enjoy. They are miniscule compared to what is awaiting His children in Heaven. The Bible says, 1 Corinthians 2:9 - but just as it is written, THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. I know how hard it is not to be selfish and how we tend to focus on what has been taken from us, what we will miss. We will always miss them standing beside us, but cling to the wonderful memories of a life that gave so much happiness. Try to let go of the desolate sadness of their passing and replace it with joy in their home going. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” But what of us, those left behind to carry on? Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Ask for God’s comfort. Look to His word for hope. Lamentations 3:21-23 - Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. When you are feeling empty, imagine your loved one walking with the Lord and discovering all the splendors He has promised and know that one day, we too, will walk those same streets together. October 2, 2013 Pearls. by Judy Caldwell
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:47:53 +0000
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