True Hope in Time of Grief

Sometimes our grief over the loss of a loved one, a profitable job, a cherished home, etc is so strong that we can actually taste it. We have unexplained aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite or overeating the wrong foods, uncontrollable shaking and trembling, listlessness, disorientation, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, uncontrollable crying, numbness or tingling, shortness of breath and exhaustion. Thankfully, these symptoms will pass as we work through our grief. If you find any symptom to be overwhelming or unbearable, contact a professional immediately.

Clinical depression can be a very real problem. Times of grief mangle our emotions. We bounce from unbearable depression, to rage, to a euphoric high or to debilitating hopelessness. Coping with the routine of our day is exhausting because our mind is full of confusion and grief. We lose the most basic skills for organization. The simplest chore is overwhelming to the point of depleting all of our energy. All we want to do is sleep. Once loved activities are no longer appealing. God uses this lethargy to protect us from the overwhelming emotions caused by our loss. In the darkest times of our lives, it never fails that our faith grows stronger and our personal relationship with the God of Hope deepens.

Equilibrium will be restored, but it will take time. It may also take action on our part. Our mind is Satan's playground in times of loss. Refuse to allow him entry with his negative emotions and thoughts. When you realize you are thinking negative thoughts, remember Philippians 4:8 and take your thoughts captive, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." We are blessed when our help comes from the Lord our God in whom we place our hope (Psalm 146:5).

Your future is in God's hands. He wants you to live it one moment at a time. If you are doing well in this moment, rejoice in it. If not, then give the issue to God in prayer and praise Him through it. It is amazing what praising will do. You are limiting God by asking for Him to replace your loss right away. He may have other plans for you. He wants what is best for you. He will provide for your needs as you heal and are ready for them to be met. Therfore, concentrate on healing and leave your future to God. You will be able to function normally again, but it takes time with the Lord to fully recover.   The Biblical principles of hope can make your grief more bearable. God exists and He has a future and a hope for you that are for your good (Jeremiah 29:11). Cling to this certainty, as you experience your sorrow. God is all that He says He is. Tell Him your doubts and confusion. Jesus Christ is your only hope for a secure life, as well as your life after death. Praising His name and seeking Him each moment of the day will bring you more fulfillment than you ever experienced before in your life. If we forget God in our recovery, we will perish as those without God (Job 8:13).   Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are certain to the depths of our being that You are the Living Lord. Everything will turn out for our good, as we trust in You. Even if we are truly alone in this world, we can place our hope in You and pray in Your name night and day, asking You for Your help moment by moment (1 Timothy 5:5). The prayer that never fails is, "Lord, Your will be done." Once we come to that place of complete, total surrender to Your will, no matter what it is, then we set You free to bless us. It is hard to give up control of our life, but we will experience so much more freedom once we totally surrender and live in Your joy as our peace and strength. Thought for the Day: When we develop the mindset that we ultimately need nothing and no one but God for our future and our joy, we are truly free.