Loss of a Loved One

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5b

We must never think that God treats the death of one of His own casually. Jesus wept at the loss of Lazarus, just before raising him from death (John 11:30-45).

Likewise, God cares about the hurt/loss that we feel when we lose someone we love… even though He has called them home. As the psalm says, joy does come in the morning (Psalm 30:5b); but till then, God promises to be with us while we weep (Isaiah 43:1-2).

7 Comments

joellern372@yahoo.com says
- November 18, 2011
Amen! When my grandma died suddenly this past summer, He was such a present comfort. It’s wonderful to have hope in the midst of grief!

Reply
Scylar Drake says
- November 18, 2011
I just had a best friend commit suicide yesterday and I wish there was someway I could cope with it. Any ideas?

Reply
- reflectionsintheword says
  - November 18, 2011
  Hi Scylar;
  
  So sorry to hear of your recent loss. Coping with loss of a loved one is always difficult, especially in the circumstances you describe.
  
  The Bible does give us a few clues of how to cope though: e.g., Job is visited by his friends. They, weren’t perfect, but they did sit with him for a whole week:
  
  “Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place… for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept… So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.” Job 2:11-13
  
  Therefore, seek the company of your Christian friends; let them know of your grief and accept their comforting.
  
  Also, take time to mourn. Modern society tries to hurry us along to “move on”. However, in the Bible, people always took time to mourn/grieve. Joseph mourned the death of his father, Jacob, for seven days AFTER the Egyptians had mourned Jacob for 40 days (Genesis 50). Coping with a loss takes time and can be a slow process; don’t rush.
  
  Finally, look to God. Read the Bible and pray. Troubled times often draw us closer to God as we lean on Him for strength:
  
  Psalm 61:1-4
  
  Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
  
  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
  
  For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  
  I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
  
  Take care, Scylar, we’ll be praying for you.
- joellern372@yahoo.com says
  - November 18, 2011
  Oh my goodness, Scylar, I am so very sorry. Sudden losses are so much harder to deal with than deaths you see coming, especially suicides. Even with the comfort of the Lord when my grandma died, I still had a lot of shock and sadness to deal with, so try to be patient – it’s a normal part of grieving, and as much as it hurts like crazy it’s part of the coping.
  
  As far as suggestions, I would say don’t be afraid to ask God LOTS of questions. Get mad, be heartbroken, be bewildered. He has unique and personal ways of responding, and He’s the only one who can really give you peace and comfort. The pain will still be there, but He can help you carry it so it’s not so overwhelming.
  
  Again, I am so sorry, Scylar. I am praying for you right now, and will continue to do so for a long time. Grief is a season, not a moment; there are no quick answers or quick comforts. But Jesus is there for you: yesterday, today, and every single tomorrow.
Pingback: Staying Alert isn't good enough
scylardrake says
- November 21, 2011
Thanks to everyone who suggested comments. I really appreciated all the advice. God Bless You All!

Reply
Pingback: God Does Not Lie! | ChristianBlessings