In these recent months, it seems as if day after day brings
news of someone passing that has been dear to us. All of them have gone too
soon, at an age in life where they should have had decades to look forward to. Yet
sickness and disease have robbed their families of those years spent together
on earth.
We don’t want to ask the question, “Why?” because we really
don’t want to hear the answer.
Why do the good die young? Why does cancer and illnesses
exist? Why is there evil and nastiness in the world? Why is there pain and
heartache?
The truth is, this was not God’s plan for us. God created
this world and the human race for perfection – for unmeasurable joy,
contentment and lacking nothing. But in His great love for us, God gives us a
choice. He doesn’t force us to follow Him or to believe in Him. What kind of
relationship would that be? Rather, He wants us to choose to love Him back of
our own free will.
Unfortunately, from the very beginning, people have chosen
wrongly, and the world is suffering the consequences.
Doesn’t that make you feel better?
Probably not.
It’s not the answer we want to hear.
But, honestly, is there anything that can be said that will subdue
the suffering?
There is nothing to be said that will take the pain of loss
away, but there is encouragement to be found for hope and strength and renewal.
Time and time again in God’s word, he reminds us that he
comforts those who are hurting. He restores the spirit. He eases the burden. He
soothes the soul.
Jesus himself bears the scars of that pain and has endured immeasurable
agony on our behalf.
His greatest desire for us is that we would realize the hope
of Heaven and the restoration that awaits us there.
His Good Book tells us that heaven is a place where there is
no sorrow, no suffering, no sickness and no death. Instead it is a place of
eternal fulfillment and everlasting exultation. That’s some big words to
basically say, you don’t want to miss it! (The alternative = not so good.)
So for me, in times of great loss, I try to focus on the memories
and the love that was shared. I pursue thankfulness for the time spent together
and choose hope for the coming reunion in Glory. Most of all, I revel in His
word and take comfort in the healing that only our Loving Father can provide.
Psalm 23 –
The Lord is my shepherd;
I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
