Is There Comfort In Death?

This evening while I was lounging with my daughter in our reclining chair, I closed my eyes for a few moments to unwind, (totally doing the dad dozing off in the chair after eating dinner bit) and asked God to speak through me. Now, before you stop reading this post and start thinking that I think I am some kind of clairvoyant, let me clear the air. I believe that when you pray and ask The Lord to speak through you, that it is opening your heart to have a conversation with the Holy Spirit. It is surrendering yourself to God, and saying, “Use me!” I digress, I had asked God to speak through me, to see how I can share His Word, and how I can help His children.

 So, there I sat, for what seemed like the shortest five minutes in silent prayer. I was fighting the urge to doze off as any busy parent might do, when it came to me like a hungry ranch crew when the dinner bell rings. Earlier in the day, I heard the sad news that one of my colleagues had lost his mother the night before. Three days prior was the anniversary of my biological father’s passing, and the celebration of the life of MLK.

 The death of a loved one is never easy, nor is it easy to talk about. Death is the number one fear, and rightfully so, but the Bible teaches us that there is life in death. It is understandable that we all experience extreme heartache, uncontrollable sadness, and a profound sense of loss, when someone we love passes. Those emotions are built into our DNA and are an expression of love. However, the pain and sorrow we feel when we face mortality has a happy ending. There will come a day when those of us who have repented, and who know Jesus Christ, will be welcomed into the heavenly Kingdom and have a seat at the table of our Lord and Savior.

 Our hearts that have gathered heavy with the weight of loss, we can find comfort in the embrace of God’s Word. Losing a loved one is an experience that pierces the soul, and in our shared pain, we turn to scripture to find healing and guidance on how to carry on in the memory of our dear departed.

 Psalm 34:18 reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” In our moments of grief, it is imperative that we understand God is close to us, especially when our hearts are shattered. Be comforted in recognizing that the Almighty holds us in His loving arms and offers solace to our wounded spirits. I always come back to Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” This passage speaks to the groove of life, confirming that mourning is a part of the experience. Let us trust in God’s timing and plan and find hope in the promise of a time for joy beyond the tears.

 In the face of loss, this scripture offers a vision of the comfort that awaits us in eternity. God’s promise to eradicate every tear reminds us that one day, all sorrow will cease to exist, and we will be reunited with our beloved ones in the heavenly realm. We see this in the book of Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

If you were to turn your Bible to the book of Philippians 4:6-7 you will find the following verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Amid pain, I pray we may find peace in prayer. Pour out our grief to God, thanking Him even in the depths of sorrow. In prayer, we discover a sanctuary where our burdens are lifted, and The Lord’s comforting presence is felt.

 The always powerful book of Romans, says in chapter 8 verses 38-39, “For I am sure that neither in death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Even in the clutches of grief, hold fast to the truth that nothing can destroy the bond of love. This love becomes a guiding light, providing strength and stability as we learn to carry on.

 I pray, my dear brothers and sisters, that these Scriptures be a salve on your wounded hearts. As we embark on the harrowing journey of grief, may we lean on the promises and hopes of God for the assurance of the eternal reunion in his loving presence. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ accompany you on this trail of healing and remembrance. Amen.