GOOD GRIEF!

Loss is tough! Just think for a moment how upset you get when you "lose" your car keys or your wallet. Your blood pressure goes up. Your voice gets shrill. You start to shout at anything that moves. Normally you are a patient human being, but the loss of your car keys instantly transforms you into an irascible tiger ready to bite off the head of the first person crazy enough to try to talk to you. Maybe the car keys example is a bit melodramatic; but not by much. The plain fact is most find it difficult to handle even the simple loss of a rather insignificant possession. Now, if the loss of a wallet or a set of car keys can trigger emotional reactions that affect both your mind and your body --how much more will the loss of someone or something infinitely more significant -- such as the loss of a loved one (through death or divorce) -- or the loss of a home, the loss of a brother or sister, or even the loss of your spiritual leader) -- cause us to experience a set of roller-coaster emotions?

The bottom-line is that losses take time to heal!

In the case of significant separation through loss, the emotional process of working through that significant loss is called grief. Grieving, although painful, can and should be viewed as a healthy response. Without it a complete emotional recovery is not possible.

Jesus Experienced Loss and Grief

Jesus Himself dealt with loss and disappointments. John 11 tells the story of Lazarus, a friend of Christ. The Bible says that Jesus loved Lazarus and his family as John 11:5 states in these words, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”

Christ was obviously moved by grief when he accompanied the two sisters to Lazarus’ grave, because in John 11: 35, it clearly states that, “Jesus wept.”

It may include a wide range of responses, which vary from person to person and even the type of loss. 

For example, the death of a significant person in your life is a major loss. But grief can be felt about many kinds of losses: the ending of a relationship; moving or migrating to another place, losing a job, a pet, or your health or even your dream! Whatever it may be, there is a common sense of loss felt deep in our souls and a painful yearning for restoration!

The Man of Sorrows

The tender-hearted and compassionate Savior was prophesied to be, “A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,” in Isaiah 53:3.

How do I remove get over loss?

1. Let God Relieve Your Grief
Sometimes we suffer not because of what we have done, but because of what others have done to us or when we see other people suffer.  This isn’t heaven, this is earth and people hurt. Sometimes we feel lonely or our heart is broken or we experience sorrow, grief and loss.  But Psalm 23:3 says: “he restores my soul.”  King David who wrote these inspired words, was very acquainted with grief. In II Samuel 12 we are given some helpful tips on how to handle grief and loss.
What did David do with his grief after the baby died? He did three things:

A. ACCEPTED what he could not change.
He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.'  But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."-  2 Samuel 12:22-23

B. FOCUS on what was left and not what was lost.
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him;” - 2 Samuel 12:24

C. Turned to God.
In Psalm 51:11-12, David says: “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
      
When we grieve, we can either remain a prisoner of our pain or we can turn it over to God. That’s our choice.

D. Let God Minister Through You!
We need a Shepherd. We need a Savior. Jesus is that Shepherd and Savior. He is ready to help us deal with damaged emotions. All we have to do is ask Him. And he can provide those who can walk with us through those valleys. And yes, it usually takes time to heal – and sometimes a lifetime with the help of various professionals. But with God, all things are possible. Are you struggling to cope with grief and loss? Let Him restore your soul today!