WHY GOD WHY!

AS A CHRISTIAN HOW LONG DO WE GRIEVE?

People grieve over many different things and in different ways. A loved one passing away, a rebellious child, divorce, loss of income, sickness, being aged and alone. Though most of the scriptures deal with death, it can be also seen through the eyes of the death of many things, including dreams. This post is not to say anyone is doing wrong, but merely to search out together what God says about grieving. But first so you realize I do understand let me share two portions of my testimony of grieving.

At 9 years of age, my daddy ( I still call him daddy today) died at the young age of 40 of lung cancer. I loved him so much, he had come to know Jesus and receive salvation the year before, so I have no doubt I will see him and embrace him again. But at 9 no one explained death to me, they simply announced it. No one wrapped their arms around me to comfort me, in fact during the funeral they positioned me with my cousins in an area where I could clearly see the casket. And I sat there watching and not understanding. So I went home and announced to my mother, I will never go to church again, and in her own grief, she said ok and we didn't. You see I was angry at God, and at the same time I was scared of God. It was the fear that pulled you from God not draw you near. But God even then was drawing on me but that is a different story not for today. At 12 at visited a revival service with a cousin and at the invitation to come and share a testimony I got up I walked up to the pulpit and I said "I hate God, He killed my daddy and I am afraid He is going to kill me." I dabbled in church some and in witchcraft some. But at 27 I was saved. Then at 37 my marriage began to fall apart and finally ended when I was 40. Now I had been very active in the church, but in my grief over my marriage and my sin I returned to that 9 year old child and  I ran from God, I said no more church, no more praying, instead I ran and I ran hard into the pleasures of sin and each day I was convicted of my sin. God let me run because I needed to find my way back to Him, though I ran He never forsake me. It took me 12 years to come to my senses and realize God did not cause the death of my marriage. So here I am writing this blog many years later. I really just want to write some scriptures that may help anyone who is suffering with the pain of sorrow.

In 2 Samuel chapter 12 we hear about king David and Bathsheba and their first born child. The child was dying and David fasted, prayed, wept and called out to God to spare the child's life. Then his servants came with word the child had died.

2 Samuel 12:20 So David arose from the ground, washed and anionted himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshipped. Then he went into his own house; and when he requested they set food before him, and he ate.

When his servants questioned him we find this verse:

2 Samuel 12:23 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

I suggest you open God's word and read 1 Corinthians chapter 15 I will only write two verses, in this chapter the church had listened to a false teaching that said Jesus had not risen and there was no resurrection, Paul addressed the issue very well, if Jesus did not raise from the dead then our faith is futile and we have no hope. 

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written; "Death is swallowed up in victory," "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, (the grave) where is your victory?"

Well one more: 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Again it is written in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 that we can have comfort because we know that one day in the coming of our Lord Jesus and once more we will be with our loved ones again. But notice this verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep (died), lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

All of us will have times of suffering, whether it was wrongful or not we have this:

1 Peter 2:20-21 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when we do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Suffering for many things becomes a trial, will our suffering draw us nearer to God, or will we become angry, doubting and will we run from or run to. It is right here in this moment God will cause us to see what we are made of. Oh as my testimony speaks, it speaks of immaturity in the Lord, but it was setting me up, for the day that I would run back to Him and declaring I will never run away again. It is a testing of the refiner's fire. But we are not alone in our pain, our Kinsman Redeemer weeps with us and He comforts us, He is right here can you hear Him whisper your name. Now just a few scriptures to encourage us.

God is speaking to Jeremiah to give a word to Judah, that same promises is also for me and you.

Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old together; For I will turn their mourning to joy, Will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:25 (God speaking) For I have satiated (fully satisfied) the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds

When you read this replace the name of Jacob and Israel with your name, make this personal speak it over your life.

Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you O Jacob, and who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have called you by your name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, When you walk through the fire, you shall not the burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

In the Gospel of John chapters 14-16 Jesus speaks that it is imperative that He goes, so that His Holy Spirit can come and indwell us, He calls Him the Helper or Comforter we are never alone, for no matter our pain or suffering, The Holy Spirit is releasing comfort and grace in us to carry us through our times of great sorrow. So many scriptures I failed to include, but this is enough. Because this is the word that God is given to me to give to you right now:

"I know the pain in you, how it continues each day, but it is time to let go of the pain and grab hold of My joy. I am your Hope for a better tommorow, I am your Peace in the storm you are facing, I am your Strength when you are weak. Arise and keep walking forward, I am making the crooked paths straight in front of you. Rejoice for I know your name, and I understand your reluctance to move forward, but it is time to step one foot before the other, what was yesterday is no more, Oh, but I still have a plan and future for your life"!

Father, help us to understand what a good good Father You are. How much You love us, desire the best for us. You watch over us and protect us, help us to keep our eyes and our hearts focused on You, at all times and through all things. In Jesus name Amen.