Navigating Life: Consolation
(Chris’ note: There were so many heartfelt responses to my last post about navigating life through grieving that I’m writing a follow up to all the dear people who poured out their hearts)
To all who shared your grief through the comments on my latest blog: I was deeply touched by your responses and pray for God’s comfort and healing in the depths of your sorrow and heart. Your pain was evident as you wrote about the loss of a husband, daughter, son, or someone close to you. I wish I had a magic wand to take away the hurt of your loss, but I don’t. Instead, I pray that through the long process of sorting through grief you will deeply encounter God and experience His immense, intimate care, comfort, and love for you.
I’ve had the difficult honor of singing at many memorial services over the years. Next week I will be singing at the funeral of the mother of some friends of ours. We mourn along with their family—even as we remember and celebrate her life— and pray that God’s comfort and peace will fill and enfold them. This is the same prayer I prayed when I was asked to do one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do: sing and speak at my brother Tom’s memorial service. Through immense pain and tears I have come to understand that none of us can walk the journey of grief alone: We all need God…and we also need each other.
There are times when all we can do is to hold onto God and His promises when our ability and strength are depleted. More than anything, I hope you come to understand and embrace that God sees you and hears your cries. He is always there with and for you, as this passage brings to light:
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry…
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:15,18)
After His death and resurrection, just before He ascended to the Father, Jesus made this promise to His followers, and to all who turn to Him:
“I am with You always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)
Finally, here is one of of the most powerful promises in the Bible:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (From Romans 8)
I love this passage that reminds us that nothing—NOTHING, including death and grief— can ever separate us from God and His love. I encourage you to read this over and over and let the words sink in until they rest in your heart and mind.
Several years ago, I was inspired to write a song that brought these passages together, and God has used it as a comfort to many people. One woman told me that her husband was listening to this song as he experienced his final hours on earth. She said it still brought her peace and comfort after he left this world and entered heaven. I share this song “With You Always” in the firm belief that God is ready, willing, and able to bring His wonderful gifts of healing, peace, and hope to all who ask. I pray that the message of this song will fill your heart with God’s consolation and presence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuYCEQ4XQv4
As you grieve, I pray that your hearts will welcome God and His comforting, renewing presence.
God bless you.
Chris Atkins