December 21 • Grieving Properly

Experiencing loss is painful and bitter. Whether it’s an idea, opportunity, relationship, or person, we grieve when it is taken from us. We mourn a broken reality. Grieve for them, but grieve properly, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [1 Thessalonians 4:13] 

Some dreams must die, so that God’s reality may come into being. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. [Proverbs 16:9] Give up false hope and improper expectations. Be patient for God’s vision, because it will come to pass. Jesus’ disciples were without hope until Sunday morning, when they found the tomb empty. Those who were praying for Peter’s freedom from prison told the woman, “You are out of your mind” [Acts 12:15] when she said he was at the door. 

Joy is coming. Things are hard now, and we don’t know how long it will last. But, like a child waiting to open a present, we know where this leads. We know how this ends. “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” [John 16:20] There is a gift waiting for you. There is life and joy on the other side. There is resurrection and life. We have a promise that “weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” [Psalm 30:5]