Views from the Pews – Proper 16 – Sunday, August 25, 2024

Brothers & Sisters,

In the past several months, so many of us have been reminded how thin the line is between life and death.

Since the beginning of the year, many in our Cure have either lost family members or close friends.  Just this past week two of our members have died.

Although the line between this life and the next may seem unnervingly narrow, God and His promises for safety and protection, healing and health, life and longevity, are solid and sure, true and reliable. As believers, we don’t have to cross that line until it’s time, and we’re ready.

But when someone you know and someone you love steps over from this world into the rest of eternity…

How do you let go, and not lose control? How do you mourn their absence, and not lose your presence? How do you respectfully and mindfully move on?

Here’s how to conquer grief, let go and not lose control.

Don’t Be Overwhelmed

The Apostle Paul addressed this issue for the believers of his day nearly 2,000 years ago, and the revelation of it still holds true for us today:

“Brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in him…. So encourage one another with these truths” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18, TPT).

Maybe you or others you know have experienced that feeling of being “overwhelmed” with grief.

Certainly, anyone’s death impacts the world, one way or another. And as a being created by God, loved by God, cared for by God—everyone’s life has value. Now that they’re no longer among us, yes, they will be missed, and it’s important to acknowledge that.  However, it’s just as important for those of us who remain to look beyond the grief—just as it was for Jesus—and embrace (by faith) all that God still has for us.

Contributed!