Finding Peace During Loss

[Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Ivy Michelle. It is Maundy Thursday. I had Ivy’s beautiful post on grief and loss scheduled for today before I even realized this. When I did realize it, I thought that it was a perfect fit. When I go to Maundy Thursday services, they are always very solemn and moving and truly make me feel grieved.]

It is popular belief that cloudy days make people sad and depressed. People tend to spend more time inside on cloudy, rainy days. While on sunny and bright days, people are more active and spend more time engaging in outdoor activities. It’s amazing how the weather seems to affect our moods sometimes.

As I look in the sky, I admire the clouds. They are so fluffy and look full as if they could drop rain at any time. Not only did I marvel at their beauty, I thought about how useful they are. Though clouds bring bouts of darkness and rain, they also protect us from the heat of the sun. The rain that nourishes the earth comes from clouds. I relate this to the overwhelming feeling of loss that I’ve experienced in my life.

There are 3 lessons from loss that have helped me to overcome the sometimes overwhelming feeling of grief.

1. Take time to reflect. 

Maybe you’ve lost something that was very dear to you like your home or your job. Perhaps, you’ve lost a close friend or relative and you feel overwhelmed with sadness and grief. At times, you might even feel like you can’t go on.

Take time to reflect on what just happened and allow yourself to think of every detail you can about the situation. Then think about how you feel at the moment and think about the thoughts that you’re having. Now, put the thoughts and feelings you have in perspective with the word of God.

Here are a few scriptures that helped me:

“And now, dear brothers, I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those are who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him all the Christians who have died.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14)

“I came naked from my mother’s womb,” he said, “and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1: 21)

“For everything there is a season…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1)

If you feel like your perspective of loss is wrong, simply repent. I definitely had to.

2. Refocus on the Lord. 

Sometimes, when people experience strong emotions, they lose their minds–literally. People stop thinking when emotions take over. It’s only natural, but as Christians we are to have self-control. After putting things in perspective, bring your focus back to the Lord. He never fails us.

Here are a few scriptures that helped me:

“He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.” (Revelations 21: 4)

“He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.” (Psalm 147: 3) 

Don’t despair. God is with you. His word is true.

3. Believe the Word.

It’s so easy to read scriptures and doubt that God can come through for us like he did for the men and women in the Bible. However, the Bible tells us that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

The scriptures below boosted my faith:

“You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.” (Hebrews 11: 6) 

“Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith it will happen.” (Matthew 9: 29)

“Then when Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his wealth and happiness! In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!” (Job 42: 10)

We’ve all experienced loss, but God restores and he is sovereign.

Isaiah 55: 8 says, “This plan of mine is not what you work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!”

Trust that God knows what he’s doing and in the end you, too, will find peace in loss. 

 

Ivy Michelle is a Christian author, educator, and counselor. She has a passion for encouraging and empowering people to pursue their God-given purpose. She lives in North Carolina and she enjoys traveling, cooking and writing.