Something For Sunday
By Rev. Gerald Adams
(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our affliction, (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)
During the holiday season, it appears that there is more cause for grief than at other times of the year. Perhaps, it is because there is an increased interest in family during the holidays. It is apparent that there is someone missing from the family circle. Therefore, the pain of loss is intensified.
But before we deal with the grief associated with death, we point out that there are other causes for grief caused by the pain of loss. There is the loss of relationships, divorce, employment, or the news of chronic illness. Many are suffering in silence but suffering pain nonetheless.
The first step we suggest in confronting your grief is to validate your feelings. Do not retreat into denial, face your loss, and own your pain. Grief opens us up to a plethora of complicated and often conflicting emotions. These emotions are matters of the heart. No matter the pain, remember that your feelings are valid.
Professionals have identified five stages that some people go through when confronting grief. The stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I list them but will not try and deal with each. You may research these stages on your own.
We want to get to the acceptance stage which will help us to cope with our grief. It is important to remember that grief is a normal process. There is no shame in sharing your feelings with others who may only be able to listen. However, If grief overcomes you, you may need to get professional help or join a support group.
Now for the believers, members of the household of faith, we have a host of help from the word of God that gets us to and through the acceptance stage. Our foundation verse says to us that the God of all comfort, comforts us in all our afflictions. God is our stronghold, our refuge, and our strength.
We are encouraged to work our faith and stand firm in our belief. Jesus, whose birth we celebrate through these Holy Days tells us that we need not fear just believe. We can trust that he has prepared a place for us to spend eternity.
Dr. C.A.W. Clark, the late pastor of the Good Street Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas often told us, “That you don’t mind leaving if you have some place to go.” Based on Biblical teaching, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” We are promised an eternal home. I say to those I counsel when they are ready to hear it, that our loved ones would not come back to this reality even if they could.
The father of all mercy is faithful and we must put our confidence in Him. He will never leave or forsake us. In our time of grief, we are never alone.
