Mid-Week Message - Grief

Grief.  It is one of the saddest words in our vocabulary.  It is one we would all like to avoid.  Yet, it surrounds us.  Each time I turn on the news or read articles on the internet, there it is.  Police officers killed.  Suicides.  Motor vehicle accidents. Terrorism.  Cancer.  Heart attacks. Arguments that end in someone being killed.  Every day, week, month and year.  

Clearly it is not something we can avoid.  Life happens as life happens.  Death, and therefore grief, as much as we hate to think about it, will be a part of each of our lives as long as we are on this earth.  All things have a beginning and an end here.  Life as we know it is terminable.  Sad but true.    

I have great news though!  Scripture says in Hebrews 9:27 that, "It is appointed unto each a time to die."  One time.  Only one time.  And that death is only for the "earth suit" that we need to have to walk upon this planet.  Our true selves live on and, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, will join Him in Heaven for eternity. 

Revelation 21:4 promises us that, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  Grief is something that we will leave behind.  It does not exist in Heaven.  Once there, we will never again experience the crushing blow of loss.  Our existence will be one of constant peace and joy.  What a promise!  

As you go through this week, I pray God's blessings will abound for you.  If you are in the process of grieving, I lift you up in prayer and ask for the Lord to hold you so tightly that you will be able to physically feel His arms around you.  If you do not know Jesus personally, then I pray for you too.  And my sincere hope is that you will know how temporary this world is and that you would long for the peace of His presence.