MANAGING GRIEF - by Mary Toll
"Yet I have this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:4 NIV)
Symphonic music played in the sanctuary as the guests arrived for the Katy's funeral. Her husband, Ron, their children, and a handful of friends gathered around the few family portraits and a bone-colored jar displayed near the pulpit. It amazed me that her four-foot frame now took up mere inches of space in the urn that contained her ashes.
As I gazed at the jar, the minister addressed the people. "Father, God, we really are from dust to dust, just one breath--Your breath--away from eternity. Can Ron find happiness again? Christ, Your Son, will need to be King and reign over his will and emotions, producing the fruit of peace within his heart" (Galatians 5:22)
Bereavement is a part of life. In the Scriptures, we learn that God's people set aside time to grieve before entering into God's destiny for their lives. Abraham loved, believed, and obeyed God before and after the death of his wife, Sarah (Genesis 23:2). Because Abraham remained a faithful friend to God, the Spirit of Christ was birthed into sinners' hearts for generations, and Abraham was abundantly blessed (Genesis 24:1).
Trusting God will sustain and transform us through our times of grief. He said, "I will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:24 NIV)
Thank You, Father, that there's hope beyond my sorrows. Teach me to be obedient like Abraham, sharing the love of Christ to a hurting world. You blessing me beyond measure depends on it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
"Yet I have this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:4 NIV)
Symphonic music played in the sanctuary as the guests arrived for the Katy's funeral. Her husband, Ron, their children, and a handful of friends gathered around the few family portraits and a bone-colored jar displayed near the pulpit. It amazed me that her four-foot frame now took up mere inches of space in the urn that contained her ashes.
As I gazed at the jar, the minister addressed the people. "Father, God, we really are from dust to dust, just one breath--Your breath--away from eternity. Can Ron find happiness again? Christ, Your Son, will need to be King and reign over his will and emotions, producing the fruit of peace within his heart" (Galatians 5:22)
Bereavement is a part of life. In the Scriptures, we learn that God's people set aside time to grieve before entering into God's destiny for their lives. Abraham loved, believed, and obeyed God before and after the death of his wife, Sarah (Genesis 23:2). Because Abraham remained a faithful friend to God, the Spirit of Christ was birthed into sinners' hearts for generations, and Abraham was abundantly blessed (Genesis 24:1).
Trusting God will sustain and transform us through our times of grief. He said, "I will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:24 NIV)
Thank You, Father, that there's hope beyond my sorrows. Teach me to be obedient like Abraham, sharing the love of Christ to a hurting world. You blessing me beyond measure depends on it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
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