OVERCOMING GRIEF WITH DEATH AND WITHOUT DEATH

Author: Pat Aman

September 2, 2020

We all suffer grief. Whether it be grief of someone’s death, or unusual circumstances we do not understand.

We all know that so far the year 2020, well, has been worse than ripping a Band-Aid off.

Joe and I have been turned upside down in this year

2😢2😯…..

My precious sister who lived a long life of a Godly woman took her Heavenly Journey home. Her assignment here on earth was completed but, because of the corona virus, the family could only have a graveside service with 10 people. Yes, we should have been able to have a celebration of her home going, but instead we continue to grieve, because we were not able to have closure. Oh no, we would not be selfish to want her back, because she is healed and walking with Jesus. One day we will have a celebration of her life, talking over loving memories of years and time gone by.

Please celebrate the lives of your loved ones while they are living. Enjoy them, visit them, celebrate them while you still have them with you. I can say, Joe and I did those things with my precious sister to the very end. God allowed me to spend 15 days with her at the beginning of 2020. Never throw away the blessings Father God has blessed you with, by placing people in your life. For myself I know Father God can call them away in the twinkle of an eye.

I guess writing this article is a way for my grief to heal. Because the first week of April 2020, is when my sister walked into the arms of Jesus, my heart has been totally broken. I miss my sister so very much.

Joe himself has dealt with her Homegoing. Oh, he loved her so very much. He always said, she was the sister he never had, and he loved talking and just being himself around her.

The company he has worked with for 32 years had him on furlough from March – August 1st.

But, now that he is traveling again, I would feel so lost if not for my Father God, and our loving daughters.

And I will let you know the church people will not always be there for you. Why? Because they sometimes forget that Christians suffer, and fight battles with grief. And the stigma of Christians battling grief and depression would be an embarrassment. Christians are not supposed to deal with those issues.

Well folks, that is a lie from the pits of hell.

All people including Christians, deal with some kind of grief. Sometimes grief without death is the hardest. When you lose someone by death you have the eternal hope of being reunited with them again one day in Heaven. But when you have people you have loved unconditionally, walk away from your life without a cause, it can rip your heart apart.

I will say when that type of grief happens, do not let it beat you down. It is usually the other person dealing with things in their life that they are ashamed of and want to hide it from you. They think you will be disappointed with them. So, they will lie to you and make up stories that they want you to believe. In other words, covering up the truth. When in reality you would be prouder of them for seeking help and guidance.

People need to understand that to defeat grief of any kind, we must read God’s Word, Pray and seek God’s direction for your life. Sometimes you have to seek medical assistance, and that should not be an embarrassment or shame.

Realizing you have a problem and seeking help is the first step to recovery and winning the battle over grief.

There are many reasons why grief might come to you. The best thing you can do is to acknowledge it. Grief requires time and a process.

We all have experienced other kinds of losses, and we feel confused about the feelings we are experiencing can be absolutely traumatic at times.

Grief is defined as “deep sorrow.” And death is not always the cause of that grief.

Grief can be caused by divorce.

Loss of a job.

Health Problems and Concerns.

Loss of a friend or friendships.

Addictions.

Being wrongly accused, and so many other life’s ups and downs.

There are many circumstances that can lead to grief trauma. It can be out of control, consuming you like a wildfire. But, we must realize that Father God knows what is best.

Our Heavenly Father included grief as a way to heal. Just as laughter, happiness, and sadness are all a part of emotional healing.

The Bible has over 275 scriptures with over 50 dealing directly with grief. I will share just a few…..

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

2 Corinthians 1:1-3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Please if you are dealing with grief, do not be ashamed. Seek help.

For God’s Word say, ”Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III John 1:2

There are signs that you are consumed by grief.

If you feel any of these items below, please do not try to handle it alone.

• Guilt

• Anger

• Confusion or denial

• Depression

• Social isolation

• Uncharacteristic thoughts, behaviors or decisions

• Uncontrollable emotions (crying for no reason)

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or getting too much sleep

• Stomach aches and changes in eating habits

• Headaches

• Increased stress

Turn to Father God and seek His will for your life. He is waiting for you with open arms.

And please do not be ashamed to seek medical attention.

For God has promised us in His Word, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

May not be copied without authorization of Author and Publishers…..