Comforted by Our Father in Times of Grief and Loss

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.

Romans 15:13

One of my closest friends had to say goodbye to her husband as He went to be with Jesus a few days ago.  A short and unexpected illness took his life.  I’ve been thinking about the Scriptures that offer comfort, assurance, and living hope to family and friends who belong to the Lord. Here are some promises we can all cling to in this time of grief and loss. 

To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8)

The Lord sees us and knows what we are going through (Psalm 139:1-12).

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 tells us that Jesus Himself and God our Father, has loved us and given us eternal comfort and hope.  He is the source of our comfort and strength.

I’m reminded of the words of the song by Steven Curtis Chapman: “His strength is perfect when our strength is gone.  He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on… His strength in us begins where ours comes to an end.  He hears our humble cry and proves again His strength is perfect…”  (the complete lyrics are available online.) 

I recently completed a study of 1 Peter with the women in my weekly Bible study.  Chapter 1:3-9 is what my friend’s husband is now experiencing in person with the Lord.  All who belong to God through faith in Jesus can claim this promise and have hope and comfort even in our grief:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (NASB)

Yes, as believers we grieve and are heartbroken at the loss of a loved one.  But We will not grieve like the rest who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  We can trust our Father to carry us through each day, one day at a time, depending completely on His love, His presence and His strength.

I am reminded to be thankful each day for God’s presence in my life and the living hope I have, the promise of eternity with Him when life here is ended.  I’m reminded that life on earth is temporary and for those who belong to the Lord, our citizenship is in heaven, our eternal home. We will be with Him in heaven forever where there will be no more death, no more sin, no more tears or illness. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you experiencing difficult circumstances that cause you grief and loss?  I encourage you to read these verses often and ask God to speak comfort and hope to your heart.

Maybe you have a family member or friend who needs to hear these words.  You can pray and ask God for an opportunity to share these promises to encourage them.

Perhaps you’d consider writing a prayer of thanks for the comfort and hope you have in the Lord.