DEALING WITH GRIEF

Read: John 11:1-37

Meditation verse:

“Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21)

Part of being human is facing difficulties. Sometimes these difficulties are swift and severe. Other times they can be an accumulation of small events. Failed businesses, failed relationships, financial difficulties, death, loss, or separation. Life is happening every day, affecting our mental health in various ways and leaving us drained emotionally.

The untimely death of a loved one is one of the deadliest blows that life can throw at any time, and this can alter our lives in more ways than one. Death is no respecter of persons, whether it is the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or an unborn child. The pain can become extreme and leave you numb. It can cause you to withdraw into a shell or to lash out at others and apportion blames. You may even begin to question God’s love for you or His existence.

In today’s reading, Mary and Martha were overwhelmed with grief as they struggled to deal with the demise of their beloved brother and the reality of Jesus’ “abandonment” in their hour of need. Jesus had failed to show up when they pleaded with Him to come heal their brother and Lazarus died before Jesus arrived their home. It was a known fact that Jesus loved Lazarus. In fact, all three siblings were close to the Master, He had visited them, and they had personally attended to Him, why then did He let their brother die?

Are you grieving today or struggling with a painful loss? Are you wondering how God could have allowed it to happen, even though you have faithfully served Him? He is not responsible for your loss. We live in a fallen world where we are up against all kinds of evil. When Jesus saw the grief that followed Lazarus’ demise, He groaned in the spirit and wept. Similarly, He sees your pain now and He is full of compassion for you. Your time of grief will not go on forever. Your harvest of rejoicing is coming. God can give you beauty for ashes. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.