Overcoming Loss
Loss is everywhere. It seems as if we lose people every day. From friends and family to Hollywood stars, death is always present and is an everyday reminder of the brevity of life. Pastors, on an everyday basis, are confronted with this life/death scenario. The Bible describes life as a “vapor” - here one day, gone tomorrow. Believers know, however, “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.” None of us – pastors nor church people, are immune to the difficulties of death. Believers today, as always, hold the answers to death in the palms of their hands. The answer to deaths pains is Jesus.
We all know death for the believer is better for the departed than those left behind. If you have ever experienced loss, you know that no single passing is the same as another. Yes, Hospice will give you a pamphlet on the process of dying (a very good resource, I might add), but death comes to all no matter whether we are prepared or not. What does the Bible say about overcoming or coping with loss? I’m glad you asked.
First, believers must go to God. However, this may not be our natural tendency. We may be inclined to blame God. We may hold up our fists, and defiantly yell out, “Why God? Why me? Why now? You did this!” This is natural. Scripture is replete with examples of men and women who blamed God for trouble (see David, Sara, Abraham, Jacob, Solomon, and on and on!) Yet, our faith in God must propel us to know that we do not have to understand God for God to be God.
The Bible reminds us, “Oh death, where is your sting, O Hades, where is your victory.” Jesus has conquered death. Death hurts. When placed in God’s hands, believers began to see death as a tool God uses to bring us into greater fellowship with Him. Death loses its power and grip on us when seen in the light of Jesus’ victory. The temporal nature of life is described in the Bible this way: “For the things which are seen as temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Joy. Peace. Hope. Love. Death cannot touch these!
Second, believers must give it to God. Tell God your hurts. Express your confusion. Cry out to God for mercy. God made us for emotions: “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.” Only God can heal your broken heart. Man’s efforts, as good as they may be, are only “band-aids” - there as a “cover” over the hurt. The Bible comforts us this way: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Third, believers must get alone with God. The Bible counsels, “Fear not, for I am with you, Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, Yet, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” When will God do this? When will God take away my hurt? In His time - this is all we are told. In the Beatitudes Jesus is clear as He blesses certain people. He blesses, “the poor in Spirit,” “those who mourn,” and “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” In order for God to bless us with His comfort and counsel, we must spend time alone with God - one on one - just us and Him. Read His Word and listen for His Spirit to jump off the page.
Fourth, believers must gather together around friends, family, and the local body of believers. It is human nature to push away those around us. When we stop to think about why God has put people into our lives, it is often for times such as these. Jesus taught, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Did you catch that? Jesus did not say our hearts would never be troubled. He said, in effect, “Don’t let your hearts stay troubled.” Yes, this world has troubles, but by focusing on Jesus, your hearts cannot stay troubled if they belong to Him. What a promise! Then, amongst our pain and anguish, we can allow Him to comfort us - to “wipe away every tear” from our eyes. Allow Jesus to bring your ultimate and eternal comfort. He has won the race. Our great God has brought us victory over life and over death. Only through Him, and Him alone, can we overcome hurts, pains, and the losses of life.