Nothing lasts forever. All (good) things come to an end. The only thing constant in this world is change. These are common phrases we’ve all heard that attempt to explain the transient nature of this earthly life. These statements are all true, but they don’t always provide comfort.
Whether it’s the loss of someone’s spirit and personality due to a debilitating illness, a shift in circumstances, a failed relationship, or death, loss hurts. And many times what makes it hurt more are the feelings that remain.
As I took time to be still and process the homegoing of a loved one this week, I pondered…what do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss? Where do we place the hope that our loved one who battled an illness would recover? How do we carry the love that remains after the object of that love passes on? What happens with the faith in one more tomorrow when tomorrow ceases to exist?
As Christians, if we are suffering from the loss of a loved one to death, we are supposed to find comfort in the fact that our loved one is in a better place. We are to find solace in that they are no longer suffering and are resting in the loving arms of our Father. It sounds good and we believe that to be true. But, the reality is our hearts still hurt from the absence of their physical presence.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 147 verse 3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That means we can bring our pain to our loving Father, trusting Him to heal us when we experience loss. That doesn’t mean we won’t feel sorrow for a time – after all, Jesus wept too, even though He knew about the miracle He would perform that would shortly bring joy to the brokenhearted.
The Word also tells us in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 “God is our merciful father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” This verse answers, “What do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss?” We pass it on to those who need it.
How do we lose well? We pay forward our hope, love, and faith to someone who needs it. And there is ALWAYS someone who needs it.
I love the sovereignty of God. We may not understand His timing or every move He makes, but we can trust His ultimate plans for our good.
If you’re uncertain about how to pay the hope, faith, and love forward, be sure to ask. Another promise found in Matthew 7:7-8 is “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
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Golden Life Musings 