Introduction
Hello all. My name is Seth and this is your daily devotion. Very recently, my family and I have experienced a significant loss and I feel as though God wants me to write about it. Losing someone is one of the most tragic things we can ever experience, especially if that someone was very close to us. It’s one of things that can really challenge our faith. Why did God let it happen? What did they do to deserve it. What did I do to deserve it? Was it my fault? Am I supposed to learn something from this? The difficulties of loss are nothing new, but maybe we can gain some new insight on them.
Loss Is Not Forever
Let’s first go over a very important truth. Anyone who died believing in Jesus is not truly dead.
John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Many scriptures say this, but i chose this is one because it explains that there’s a difference between the death of the flesh and the death of the spirit. We live in the flesh and grow attached to each other through the flesh, but we must remember that our flesh is flawed and must pass someday. This is the fate of all. Those who believe in Christ, however, live beyond the flesh and their lives are eternal. Make no mistake. by faith you will see your loved ones again.
Handling Loss
Now, believing in eternal life doesn’t make the hurt go away, so let’s talk about the importance of grief. First and foremost, you need to know that it is perfectly normal and healthy to grieve.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
This may seem obvious to many of you, but there are plenty of people in this world who do not allow themselves to be sad and mourn. Whatever the reason may be, they bottle up their feelings and refuse to talk about them with almost anyone. This is not healthy for the body, mind or spirit. Being sad because of a loss is not a lack of faith. It is in fact and testament of faith to bring your pain to the Lord. Jesus is called the “Wonderful Counselor” for a reason. Bring your sorrows and grief to Him and He will hear you and bring you guidance and comfort.
Furthermore, don’t judge someone harshly if their sadness isn’t as forward as yours. Everyone mourns a bit differently and the stages of grief vary greatly among individuals. Rest assured. It’s not that they don’t care. Also, be mindful to choose your words and actions carefully when you’re around someone who has experienced loss. Little things could bring back that trauma.
God Is With You/Prayer
Finally, let’s take a moment to remember that in all situations, good or bad, life or death, that God is in control and that He is good.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
When it comes down to it, God is the only real constant in our lives. All others unfortunately fade away some day, but the Lord is eternal and will always be with you. Lean on Him then and trust in His will, even when you don’t understand. Let’s pray on this.
Lord Jesus, we thank You that death is only temporary for all who believe in You. Thank for comforting us in the midst of our loss and pain. Thank you for allowing us to feel and love so strongly. We hope to see our loved ones again when that time has come. We ask this in your wonderful name. Amen.
That’s all I’ve got for you. Go in peace.