“…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10). Anyone who lives long enough will experience loss, but some are so much worse than others. Most people have never been unfortunate enough to be in the path of a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, a snowstorm, a flood, or some other natural disaster. They have never had to stand where their house once stood and wonder, “Why?” or what’s next?” They have not had to search amongst rubble for priceless pictures and trinkets that served as precious memories of days past. They have not been overcome with fear as they search for a pet or someone dear to them they last saw before the disaster struck.
Most people have not experienced the searing pain of feeling the life drain out of their bodies as they open their front door and see two heavyhearted military officers in full-dress uniforms standing there. They have not had to bury a loved one because they decided to enlist in our military and then paid the highest price for other people’s safety. Most people have not had a police or firefighter Chaplain stand at their door informing them that their loved one was killed in the line of duty.
Most people have not had to deal with the inexplicable anguish of holding their stillborn baby in their arms who will never breathe on its own, never say “Mamma,” and never run around as toddlers do. Most people will not have to suffer the unspeakable pain of burying a child whose life was tragically cut short. Most people have not felt the anguish of standing at the grave of a loved one who was lost to some terrible disease, asking, “Why, God?” Most people will not have to face such debilitating grief that living does not seem worthwhile anymore. They will not have to spend days, months, years, and even decades waiting for the pain to return and the loss to be felt all over again, and again, and again.
Loss of material possessions like heirlooms, the roof over our heads, jobs, vehicles, and even friendships are hard to deal with. However, the loss of a loved one whom we will no longer have the privilege of ever seeing on this earth again, hugging or saying “I love you” to is infinitely harder. That kind of loss always leaves more questions than answers, and the wound will never heal completely. It is difficult to understand why we have to suffer so greatly in our lives, but the reality is that we will face terrible loss at one time or another. I wish I could read today’s verse to each and every person who has suffered in that way. I wish I could read it in a way that makes them understand that they are not alone in those times.
If that is you, know this; God is always present, strengthening you in your darkest hours, holding you up when you are too weak to stand, and carrying you emotionally when all your energy reserves are spent. When words all but escape you, close your eyes and look up, and He will hear the thoughts you cannot put into words. He is with you when you stand where your house once stood; when you open the door, when you hold the baby that is already in Paradise; when you are standing at the grave of your child, and every other occasion where a tragic event has stolen your joy. God is with you when you are at your wit’s end, when you feel like life no longer has meaning, and when giving up seems like the only avenue open to you.
He is there to comfort you, strengthen you for the duration of your grief, and breathe hope into your hopeless situation. No matter how dark your present circumstances appear to be, know that the Light of the world will soon cast out the darkness with the hope that is in tomorrow. Rely on Him, and together, even life’s worst tragedies will be overcome. Heb. 13:5, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you….” God is there, waiting for you to call on Him so He can comfort you. Please call out to Him and let Him help you this very moment. JUST.DON’T.GIVE.UP.
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