Today, David Jeremiah tackles a very difficult topic — the Loss of a Loved One.
Jeremiah writes — It is, perhaps, the most intimidating part of supporting a friend who has lost a loved one: What do we say to them?
God’s Word reminds us that there is a fundamental key to coping with grief: hope. Because of Jesus, we do not have to endure grief without the promise of hope. Every person who trusts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior passes into eternal life. That hope is the foundation on which we can encourage each other and ourselves when we struggle with loss.
Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. He wasn’t discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. He spoke of “looking forward to these things” and “[looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells”.
Life is full of hardships and heaviness. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. But we’ll soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Goodbye hardship and heaviness. Goodbye trials and troubles. Hello Jesus! Hello heaven! We are God’s children and we will live forever in His presence, healed of our brokenness: physical, mental, and emotional.
Part of grieving involves the immense sorrow we feel when we watch loved ones pass away. But They have passed into the presence of Almighty God where they will enjoy endless fellowship with Him.