In Grief, Be Still and Know

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though the waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging…

Be still and know that I am God…

                Psalm 46:1-3, 10 NIV

 

     A few months ago my baby sister closed her eyes to the pain of earth and woke up to see the glories of heaven. The cares of this world fell like shackles unlocked and released from a prisoner’s leg. The momentary sting of death delivered her into the arms of Jesus.

     But overshadowing the joy of knowing she no longer suffers in a cancer-ridden body hangs the loneliness; a daily reminder she is gone.

     As Christians we do not grieve as those who have no hope. However, we do grieve. Sometimes family or friends require that we grieve along their timeline, and we feel pressured to get over it, move on with life or just stop thinking about it. Oh, that it were that easy.

     Having grieved before has not prepared me for this time of grieving. I find grief unique—different for a parent, a sibling, a spouse or a friend. Some days it consumes me as unexpected tears make a path from eyes to chin. Some days grief allows me to breathe and look forward with hope. On other days, the slightest sound irritates my nerve endings and I want to hide—even from those who love me.

      So it goes with grief. Bad days. Good days. Lonely days. Days of thanksgiving for the freedom from pain for the one I love. And, during this process of loving and losing and grieving, God waits. He continues to be my refuge and my strength—the One I run towards. He is the solid rock on which I stand without fear. He wraps His strong arms of compassion around me reminding me He is ever present.

 

 

 

     He does not grow weary with me on the days I appear stuck in my grief but encourages me to look forward in hope. He does not grow angry with me on the days I want to run and hide from the world but rather gently pushes me towards interaction with others. He does not give up on me when my heart beats fast in fear and anxiety but provides refuge under His wings.

     He will not allow me to get lost in my grief!

     Are you grieving? Join me today. Together, let’s sit at the feet of Jesus, feel the compassion of the Father and allow healing to begin.

 

© Joyce Powell