How do we draw closer to God while walking through loss

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

Grief is the expression of deep sadness and sorrow. We experience it when we loose something we value and love, until we eventually adjust to living without it. Going through grief should not be avoided but it should not become a place to park, either. Finding God in grief allows us to go through it freely while holding onto hope. This is not just the wishing for better things but a certainty and promise greater than any loss you are experiencing. Questioning God after the death of a loved one is a natural reaction. When we are devastated by loss, we are seeking answers. Fortunately God can handle our questions.

We all carry so much in this busy world, so how do we draw closer to God while walking through loss? My local radio station talked about crying and how everyone, at some point, needs a good cry. It made me think about how grief comes in many forms. It's an ache from the change of expectations; so, loss, whether a grandparent, a parent, sibling, or the loss of a pet who slipped away quietly. It can also be the loss of a dream, a divorce, declining health, a lifestyle, a career, or the end to a wonderful friendship. Yet in it all, I know, holding on to Jesus helps me to make it to the other side of pain.

When working in Long-Term-Care I faced the death of many individuals who had become like family. I will never forget the feeling of those tears after my sister's suicide: like feeling cut glass on my face. These tears, like glass, were so painful it created streaks of blood. Strange but true. I was so very angry with her, and in the tangled mess of feelings, also with God. It took a looooong time after her death, to make sense of my world. However, Jesus still provided the hope I needed. This hope was the motivating factor which helped me make sense of my loss, so I could live life free of the pain again and serve Him better. He walks beside those who put their trust in him, and, as a result, surrounds me with a peace which passes all understanding. For me, encountering and understanding grief was the best way for me to hold onto my faith, as I processed and recovered from the loss through her death. That was 21 years ago.

If you are grieving, and in despair, know God is near to those who are discouraged. Psalm 34:18. No one can stop your loss but, if we are open, we can all learn: finding God in grief can draw us closer while experiencing true healing. As I kept my eyes on God, I was able to prioritize, and tap into a deeper sense of peace and purpose. God is my rock and salvation, by placing my faith in Him I am learning to embraces life's uncertainties with courage and assurance.