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The Good Soup: Dealing With Grief

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For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die - Isaiah 57:2

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Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, a profound season that often catches us off guard. It is a somber and poignant reminder of our mortality, forcing us to confront the fragility of our existence. This emotional journey can be arduous, stretching on for what feels like an eternity, leaving many feeling as if the pain will never subside. Yet, even within this seemingly never-ending darkness, there lies a glimmer of hope.

Addressing grief is not an easy feat, but it is a crucial step towards healing and finding solace. By embracing a positive perspective, we can navigate the intricate web of emotions and gradually mend our broken hearts. It is in acknowledging the profound impact that grief has on our lives, that we can begin to unravel its layers and unlock the potential for growth.

In this transformative process, it becomes apparent that grief is not something to be feared or avoided but rather an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. As we navigate the tumultuous waves of sorrow, we discover hidden reservoirs of strength within ourselves. We learn the importance of cherishing every fleeting moment and embracing the beauty of life amidst the pain. Grief catalyzes personal transformation, molding us into more compassionate, empathetic, and resilient individuals.

Moreover, addressing grief with a positive perspective allows us to honor the memory of our loved ones. By celebrating their lives and their impact on us, we can find comfort and reassurance in the midst of our sorrow. It is through this lens of positivity that we can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the time we shared instead of dwelling solely on our loss. In doing so, we can keep their spirit alive, allowing their memory to guide us through the healing process.

Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey, one that defies easy explanation. Yet, by embracing a positive perspective, we can find solace and meaning amidst the pain. It is through this lens that we can begin to heal, not only ourselves but also those around us. So, let us embark on this transformative journey with open hearts, allowing grief to shape us into stronger, more resilient beings.

Where do I start? 

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In times when you are in deep need of comfort, the first thing to do is understand that the Lord is still in control. 

1 Thessalonians
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
 
14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
 
 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 
 
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 
 
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
 
 18 Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
 
This verse informs us of the future that is found in death. Death is not the end. Because of Jesus, we will see our loved ones again. As Christians, we have the hope of knowing that we will see them in eternity. 
 
Another verse that can give us hope in the authority of our God can be found in 
 
Isaiah 57
1 The righteous perish,
and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.
 
2 Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death.
 

The Lord understands the perils of this world. He is well acquainted with the evil this fallen world contains. So, though we may not understand why things happen the way they do, we can find solace in knowing that our loved ones are in a better place than we are. They have transcended the pain and suffering of this earthly existence and have entered a realm of eternal peace.

In this realm, they are no longer burdened by the worries and struggles that plagued them in life. They are free from the constraints of time and space, basking in the everlasting presence of the Lord. Their souls are enveloped in a profound sense of tranquility, as they experience a depth of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Moreover, they are closer to the Lord than we could ever be here on earth. They have entered into a direct and intimate relationship with Him, dwelling in His divine presence. In this sacred communion, they are able to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, unencumbered by the limitations of mortal existence. They are embraced by His infinite compassion, finding solace and comfort in His arms.

As we grapple with grief and try to comprehend the mysteries of life and death, we can take solace in the fact that our loved ones are living out the promise that the Lord gave us. They are experiencing the fulfillment of His eternal plan, rejoicing in the everlasting joy that He has prepared for them. While we may mourn their physical absence, we can find peace in the knowledge that they are safe and secure in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

So, let us hold on to this hope and trust in the divine wisdom of the Lord. Though we may not have all the answers, we can find comfort in knowing that our loved ones are at peace in His presence. Their spirits continue to live on, guiding and inspiring us in our own journeys of grief and healing. May we find solace in this truth and allow it to bring us the strength and peace we need to navigate the difficult path of grief.

 

Where do we go from here? 

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As we continue to deal with the pain from our loss with the understanding that they are in the best place possible, we need to know where to go from here. How do we deal with the absence in our hearts? 

Our purpose in life is to please the Lord. Our forever purpose is to continue to fellowship with Jesus, to draw close to Him, and to fulfill His will. As we draw near to Him in our pain, He draws near to us and comforts us. 

The pain we experience on earth is daunting, and pain and tribulations will continue. That is part of living in the fallen state of our world. But this isn't the end of our story. 

2 Corinthians 5 
7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 
 
8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
 
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
 
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
 

The things we do for the Lord are not overlooked. They are not unseen. They are not wasted. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every moment spent in service to others holds immeasurable value in God's eyes. It is our innate desire to evade pain, to shield ourselves from the hardships of life. But it is an even greater desire to be with the Lord, to be close to His heart, and to live a life that brings glory to His name.

Though we may long for the day when we can be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, we must remember that we are placed here on purpose. We are called to be His hands and feet in a broken world, to reach the lives around us and touch them with the love and compassion we so freely receive from the Father. It is through our actions and words that we have the opportunity to share His grace and mercy, to bring hope to the hurting and comfort to the grieving.

In the midst of our own pain and grief, it can be challenging to see the purpose in our suffering. But as we walk through the valleys of life, we can find solace in knowing that even our pain has a greater meaning. Our experiences of loss and heartache can become a testimony of God's faithfulness and a source of encouragement to others who may be facing similar struggles. It is through our vulnerability and transparency that we can bring healing and restoration to those who are hurting.

So, let us press on with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Let us embrace the opportunities that each day presents, knowing that every moment holds the potential to make a difference in someone's life. May we never underestimate the power of a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. For it is through these small acts of love and compassion that we can bring a glimpse of heaven to earth and draw others closer to the heart of God.

As we continue on this journey of faith, let us hold fast to the hope and assurance that our actions are not in vain. The impact we have on the lives of others may not always be immediately apparent, but we can trust that God is working through us in ways we may never fully comprehend.

So, let us be faithful in our service, knowing that every act of love and kindness brings us one step closer to fulfilling our purpose and drawing closer to the heart of our Heavenly Father.