The Day After Grief

There really isn’t a day after grief. The loss of someone you love is never easy, even when you know they are with the Lord. The empty place where they sat, or slept, is an image of the empty place left in the heart. But that is why it hurts so much, because there was so much love. The Psalmist said, 

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

Nothing happens that God is not aware of. His sovereignty stands, even in the mist of pain and sorrow. It is His sovereign will that gives us hope and comfort. To those who know Him, His thoughts are precious, because, as Paul said, “He works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to His purpose.” There is nothing we can do, for Him to love us more, and there is nothing we can do for Him to love us less. In Christ we have the strength to face each day when our flesh doesn’t feel like it can. In Christ, we have the peace that surpasses all understanding, when our flesh wants to live in turmoil. In Christ, we have the wisdom to see past the momentary pain towards something grandeur. But it has to be in Christ.

 

So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

The number of our days is written God’s book. Therefore, we are to number our days. The first is about the fragility of life, and the result of Adam’s sin. We all die. The second, is looking at each day, each moment for the precious gift that it is. It’s a count down, and a reminder that we are but mists, and that days are too short not to focus on what is really important — Loving God, Loving each other, and loving those outside the kingdom. 

If there is a rift between you and someone in your family, go and make it right. If your friend doesn’t know Jesus, share the gospel. If you need to be saved from your sin, repent and believe in the sacrifice of Jesus. Number your days and set your heart toward wisdom; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 

Today, I am going to reexamine my life and ask, “Father, who can I love today? Who can I show compassion to today? Who needs a helping hand? Father, make my days count.” I’m just praying.