A time to…

Ecclesiastes 3:2 KJV — A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

This verse came to mind this morning as I was thinking about all that occurred last week.

As our head pastor says, Pastor Eric’s mother was promoted to Heaven this week.

So were two other gentlemen, both related to friends of mine.

And as I read the text message from one friend relating their loss, I looked back at my dining room table, where two beautiful ladies sat chatting.

My heart was warmed by them although grieving for my friend.

These two young women are both expectant mothers.

One is a first time mother and the other has several children.

God used these ladies to remind me that even in the midst of sorrow there is a gift of blessing.

The joy of birth doesn’t eliminate the grief of loss, but it does bring these lines from scripture into a tangible context.

Ecclesiastes 3:2a KJV — A time to be born, and a time to die;…

For me, I’m encouraged by the truth that every person is created by God.

Psalm 139:14 KJV — I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Not only that, but He cares for us.

Luke 12:6-7 NKJV — “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

He died to save us.

1 Peter 1:3 KJV — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Even though, for the believer to die physically is nothing to fear, for it means entrance into Heaven,…

Philippians 1:21 KJV — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

the death of God’s people doesn’t go unnoticed.

Psalm 116:15 KJV — Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

God still recognizes the pain of loss for those who remain.

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.
John 11:32‭-‬35 KJV

When facing grief it’s important we remember that God is not absent.

He’s perfectly aware of our sorrow.

He understands grief.

He is our best source of comfort in the depths of grief.

Matthew 5:4 KJV — Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

No matter the time we are in, God is where we can find direction, truth, and love.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your promises, especially for salvation. Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You that You understand us far better than we understand each other or ourselves. Lord Jesus, You alone are able to comfort those who mourn from the inside, where the hurt is deepest. Please touch those who mourn this day and bring them comfort. Lord, please encourage those who are now trying to live without a loved one and have so much to adjust to. Lord, please bring Your Word to the hearts and minds of those who are hurting, that they might find strength and endurance through Your promises. Lord Jesus, thank You for all You have done and are doing in our lives. For You are perfect in faithfulness. Amen.