Pastor Shawn gave a message of comfort for those experiencing loss during the holidays. Thoughts about the Christmas story don’t often envision loss, but perhaps sometimes they should.
Loss has many faces. A few include: loss of a job, of a relationship, of a dream or the loss of someone dear to us. Loss wasn’t a foreign concept for the first Christmas couple either. Joseph and Mary lost their financial stability, their security, their sense of belonging and a loss of family support. But in the midst of their losses, God was faithful and He will be faithful to us in our losses as well.
Similarly as the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, we too can rest under the expanse of His massive wings! When the searing pain of loss beats down upon your weary heart, then know that He is very near, standing over you, giving you a respite from grief’s scorching heat.
Yes, God is completely aware of and intimately acquainted with our losses. Another name for the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and that is what He does and who He is! Psalm 142:3 paints a compelling picture of comfort. “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.” Oh see the Good Shepherd’s love for you in this tender passage! Loss often sets us on trails that do not lead to healing, but the Shepherd knows our hearts and our meandering paths as well. So He lovingly pursues His lambs whose eyes have been blinded by tears to bring comfort and healing.
There are so many ways He comforts, here are three:
He brings us promises to remember. One promise is that grief is temporary. Everyone grieves in different ways and paces, so our grieving timeline will vary. But know this; one day “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 One day loss and sorrow will be swallowed up in gladness by His glorious presence!
He brings a power we can pray for. His abiding presence brings a power that strengthens us to walk toward healing and victorious living. He empowers us to have hearts of thanksgiving that enable us to remember prior joyful times, to open our eyes to the great blessings we currently hold and the hope that births eager expectation toward the best of His heart that lies ahead untapped.
He brings a person to be with. God is faithful to bring others to help point out some of the treasures along our path that our tear-filled eyes may have missed. And best of all, Jesus promised to never leave us. We often grieve in private places, preferring to be alone, but know that “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the Everlasting arms” Deuteronomy 33:27. Therefore, when we are at our weakest, His strong arms are ever ready to embrace, strengthen and comfort!
Sandy Anderson
Community Director