Death is a funny thing. Ive been around long enough to see loved ones die and observe the grief or lack thereof for other human beings. Ive learnt that everyone deals with it differently,not only because psychology teaches me this but ive personally discovered so many coping mechanisms.
I find myself asking questions after 3 am about why certain people pass away and others dont. I also know a God of "unsearch-ability."
No one ever told me that grief can sometimes feel like fear. I thought back of all the people whove died within my life and wondered if I was staring at a mere reflection of "Final Destination".Though thats a silly thought to be tinkered with,those who face death is becoming more and more common.I cant help but wonder whose next on the list. This is one moment,my vulnerability is clear,unmarked and makes me wonder how I would attempt to cope with the next death of someone dear to me. Fear and anxiety grip me,even though I know better.
“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of curse it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”-C.S. Lewis
I know more trials are to come, but for now, I cant help but relate to the lamentations of the psalmist in Psalm 88: 14 "Why do You cast off my soul?Why do You hide Your face from me?"It grows tiring and even more difficult to find persons who can stand steadily saying they would comfort you through these times. The thing with that opinion is,I can stay blind admitting to that but at some point,everyone goes through this life event. In other words, I think the key to moving on is accepting that others can relate even if it may not be a present issue in another's life. Sometimes,the only way to get to another destination is getting up in order to get there.This,along with the fact that,if the deceased is currently residing in the glorious hope of the Eternal One;we too,would.
Moreover,although the Psalmist is lamenting in Psalms 88,it is in the next chapter he goes on describing how glorious this God is. It awes me how faithful we become throughout suffering. So im here to say,that even in the midst of my pain,frustration,grief,questioning,Im still running back to You. Let me see Your kindness. Hold up my fragile weakened arms.I choose to imitate the Psalmist's actions here,Ill still call You by name. Faithful.
"O Lord God of hosts,who is mighty like You,O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You".-Psalms 89:8
Dig Deeper:
" Strong is Your hand and high is Your right hand"-Psalms 89:13
In grace,
Kesara
Pain and grief is something that we tend to measure our quality of life. And just as C.S. Lewis suggested in that quote, we tend to compare it with others. However, I find that we can't compare it to our life in eternity, but to suggest that it may give us more rewards. As in the beattitudes, those who suffer for the sake of Christ will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Christ does promise to comfort us and guide us while we are here on earth. He is a good God who will not leave us, nor give us more than we can handle.