Dealing with Loss

It's difficult. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi GEM Girls! At some point in our lives, we've dealt with loss, whether it be a loved one or a treasured pet. Although it seems as though there's no ultimate consolation, there actually is--if you choose the right source for it.

Recently for school, I had to read a novel about a Jewish boy pursuing art. Within the story, there was a part where the boy's mother went through an extremely intense and serious phase of depression due to her brother's death. She stopped eating, talking, and living normally in general. For an extended period of time, she completely neglected her child and husband because of all the grief she was facing. When I read this, I felt sorry for her but was also convinced that there was a better way to overcome trials such as that.

And don't get me wrong--the death of a loved one is a very painful thing to face. But I don't think it's right to continue to mourn for years and years. God does not want His children to eternally be in pain and tears. Instead, during those trying times, we should "turn away from the bitter [and instead turn] to the precious and the bright" (Ellen White, Sorrow With Hope, June 29). In other words, in order to overcome grief, we must look to Jesus.

Jesus understands each person's pain. His own heart hurts when He sees us in agony. This is why He offers His peace in exchange for that pain. He promises in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Instead of being completely submerged in our sorrow, we are to look to Him. Then His peace, life, love, and strength will pour out on us. In fact, those times of despair should be times when we cling on to Jesus even more desperately, because He is the only One who can carry us through. If we look to other sources, like drugs, smoking, porn, etc., we will find that our misery only enlarges. But if we constantly look to Jesus, we will be healed by His grace, peace, love, and strength.

Friends, I hope this blog served as a reminder that when we have to process the death of any loved ones, or even when we go through any trial, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. With Him, our hearts will experience true peace and we will be able to endure that suffering.

Much Love,