Written By: Jim Kretzler
Eventually, each one of us must suffer grief and loss in this life. It is inevitable. How we
move on from it is of utmost importance. The way we endure grief can shape the
remainder of our lives.
So where can we find comfort in these times of hardship? Dear one, let me tell you about a source that is like no other source. A source of deep compassion, comfort, love and mercy. You may ask, where is this great source?
It is God. Moreover, His comfort is all around us and accessible to everyone who desires it. II Corinthians 1:3–4 speaks plainly and powerfully: “Blessed be God, even the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
Not only does God provide comfort to us, but also He enables us to become a comfort to others. He surrounds us with His people so that we do not walk through sorrow alone.
Psalm 34:18 assures us: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” God draws near to the brokenhearted. Christ stands with us in the darkest of valleys.
The word contrite means deep sorrow and regret – it also means to be bruised or crushed. If you have ever felt this way, know this: the same God who saves a soul by His mercy also comforts that soul when it is suffering. Praise God for His unchanging love!
Recently, I lost my oldest brother, my only remaining sibling. The sorrow ran deep. Yet, even as the waves of grief crashed like breakers on the seashore, I was not alone. The family of God surrounded me, and God Himself drew near. His comfort is not just a feeling; it is a presence, a sustaining grace that lifts us when we cannot lift ourselves.
Too often, people turn to the vices of life to drown out their grief , attempting to mask the pain and forget their sorrow, if only for a moment. What they do not realize is that this can begin a very destructive cycle, one that ruins the good things in their lives, tears down relationships, and alienates them from those who truly want to help. Among those waiting to help is Christ Jesus Himself.
Psalm 147:3 tells us: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Most wounds we suffer are invisible, leaving no physical scars, yet they cause pain deep at the core of our being. God wants to bind up those wounds. He longs to apply His healing balm and be our comfort in low times. This is one of the many reasons He endured the humiliation of the cross – so He could know our pain and suffering firsthand. He is full of compassion and mercy for those who suffer.
Instead of reaching out for something that only brings more pain, please reach out to Jesus. Friend, He wants to be that healing balm for you today. If you are grieving, I pray you will open your heart to that same comfort. There are also people who truly care for you, at the Church of God at Connoquenessing. Jesus cares, and so do we.