Grief and mourning are emotions and practices associated with the death
of a loved one, or other catastrophe or tragedy. Certainly in light of
what our nation is experiencing at present, there is much grief and mourning
taking place all across America... How should we handle grief? When the
Bible speaks of death, it often relates to us the experience of those
involved in the time of crisis, as seen in a few scriptural examples below:
2 Samuel 1:11-12, "Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them;
and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept,
and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the
people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen
by the sword."
Genesis 23:2, "And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the
land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her."
Genesis 37:34-35, "And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon
his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all
his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted;
and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus
his father wept for him."
Deut. 34:8, "And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of
Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended."
John 11:31, "The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted
her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed
her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there."
Job 2:13, "So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven
nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was
very great."
Weeping was, as it is even now, a primary indication of grief. Tears are
frequently mentioned as was loud lamenting and renting of one's garments.
Black is typically worn as the color of dress during times of mourning.
Certainly expressing grief is an important part of healing, amen? From
these Biblical accounts, it is obvious that these various individuals
were visibly shaken over the death of their loved ones. Their actions
showed their genuine sorrow and they were not ashamed to grieve. Today,
some people consider expressing such emotion to be a sign of weakness.
Those who wish to appear strong hide their true feelings. Perhaps you,
or someone you know has personally been affected by this terrorist attack
on our country and has lost a loved one or friend... From studying portions
of scripture pertaining to those who are experiencing grief, we can learn
how to handle it ourselves, and minister to other grief-stricken individuals...
1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Do you really believe that God cares for you, dear lady? I ask because
grief often brings us all to a crossroads in our faith. It can shatter
our conception of God if we are not grounded in His Word, amen? Grief
drives us back to the basics of our faith... If we believe He cares, we'll
talk to God about our tribulations. Hence, grief is overcome through prayer
and then action. When tragic news comes to you, first pray! Then seek
ways to move beyond your grief to specific action that helps those who
need it. Actually, we've only got two choices, as did Job - curse God
and give up, or trust Him and draw strength from the Lord to continue...
Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain
mine own ways before him."
Jesus often experienced deep emotion. He understands your true feelings
as you suffer through sorrow - don't try to hide your emotions from your
Savior! Just as His presence will comfort you, consider also that your
human presence will be a comfort to someone you know who is experiencing
grief. It's a gift that we give of ourselves to those in times of mourning...
2 Cor. 7:6, "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down,
comforted us by the coming of Titus..."
Notice in our opening list of verses how when witnessing Job's great grief,
his friends said not a word to him for 7 days and nights, but sat quietly
by, offering the support of their presence. Ladies, we must realize it
may take that hurting person some time to overcome their sorrow, whether
7 days or 7 months, so patiently and lovingly abide nearby. There is great
value in your presence though you may not feel it is helping. Whether
received in person or through card or call, your fellowship can be refreshing
to a troubled soul... Many times we stay away for lack of knowing what
to say... Notice however, it was the coming of Titus that comforted, not
necessarily his words. If you are tempted to chat incessantly to that
one in mourning, remind yourself of the healing power of a listening ear
and just sit quietly by.
Persons who have suffered life-shattering experiences need hope, amen?
Despair can quickly overcome an individual, even a nation - especially
when it forces one to admit their alienation from God... He is the only
one who gives meaning to life! Therefore, when the appropriate time comes
to talk, share with those facing tragedy the character and power of the
Lord. Take them by the hand into the presence of the Lord by opening your
Bible and sharing His Word. There's not a more perfect word than God's
Word, amen? If the person you are ministering to knows not Christ as their
Savior, introduce them to the One who can carry them through their catastrophe.
Encourage them to turn to Him...With Jesus abiding in our hearts, it is
possible to face any crisis with confidence, amen? Our times of peace
and prosperity can lull us to sleep, but tragedy can awaken the soul to
Christ!
Psalm 40:2, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the
miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."
In closing, the best comforters are those who know something about personal
suffering... Whether you are facing the aftermath of grief today or any
other experience serious enough to shatter your former lifestyle, please
allow God to comfort you! We all have demolished patterns of the past
that now must be replaced with new ones. Clear out the rubble and and
make room for future construction, which will also be done with the World
Trade Center. Every trial you endure will help you effectively minister
to those who mourn. Don't waste your tragedies - share them!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
