Getting Your Joy Back! Part 5
February 6, 2019 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
God’s Joy can sustain you!
When a trial comes you are still able to experience God’s Joy! As a matter of fact Isaiah says; “God will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on HIM.” In order for this to be so you must learn to Trust Him. This trust grows as you continuously develop an intimate personal relationship with Him. As you begin to think about God as the ultimate Father your possibilities are limitless. This is why it is so important to have the Lord in your life. As you focus upon Him while going through God will then give you His peace to go through the conflict. God is a God of PEACE and JOY!
Let the Lord put a song in your heart
God can meet you wherever you are!
Wherever you are God knows. I know that He can get you wherever you need to be. So, If you are ever down and need a pick me up! PRAY! Then begin to actually put HIS WORD into practice. Praise and worship God regularly . I am beyond grateful for the Lord keeping me on the straight and Narrow Path.
God has uniquely designed each one of us. Everyone has a different testimony. But I am sure that there is some elements here in this song that is relatable. There is a song that I want to share with you. If you don’t have the strength ask Him for direction for He knows. The Words here are so profound and I am sure that wherever you are you will find some of the words helpful. This is one of the worship songs from the “Gospel Music Workshop of America”
“I Got My Joy back.”
I got my Joy back. I got a new lease on life. I got my Joy back, down in my soul. Since I let Him have full control. I’ll will let nothing separate me from His Love again. He restored my Joy and revived my soul again! Just like the prodigal son. I found myself in the hog pen. Oh, you know how satan can dress up sin, satan will make wrong seem right. That’s why we’ve got to stay Prayed up, and Focused, and keep looking to the LIGHT!
God has been so good to me. I thought I was exempted from trials and tests. From a little child I’ve been abundantly blessed. Every materialistic thing, I wanted, My Mother had it for me there. But I Thank God she NEVER forgot to lead me to the House of Prayer. But when my test came, I stumbled, but I did not fall, I had the Holy Ghost, embedded within me. In God I did REJOICE. That He would lead me, and guide me, when I couldn’t see my way. Yes, He restored my JOY, and He revived my soul again!”
Through Christ Jesus you can do all things
I can truly say; “THE JOY of the LORD IS MY STRENGTH!” I know and realize that without the Lord I/we are nothing but just walking, breathing shaped formed dust. But Praise be to God He tells us through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus “we can do all things.”
GOD truly can give you; “HIS PEACE that surpasses the understanding of man!” Patience is not a hallmark of our society. Tolerance is, but this is not the same thing as patience. Patience comes from God. “BE STILL & KNOW!” God’s grace is sufficient. Exercise your Faith knowing that; He is more than able in any and every situation. Yes, sometimes we will have to wait; Then like an eagle we can soar high above the clouds! We can always and forever trust God & His Word! Its time to move towards getting your JOY BACK!
Remember; GOD IS FOREVER FAITHFUL & HE ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!
Grief – (Grieving Is Emotionally Painful) Part 2
October 2, 2017 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
GOD’S JOY IS AVAILABLE!
There is always “HOPE” in the Lord! For our Lord is available 24/7 wherever you may be. God’s joy is not contingent upon the approval of others or on our situation. God is omnipotent therefore He is more than able. It is written: “Draw nigh to GOD and HE will draw nigh to you!” James 4 We can always and forever depend upon God and His Word. “And you shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you FREE!” John 8 Always remember; GOD IS THE “SPIRIT OF TRUTH!”
You can experience GOD’S JOY!
Joy runs deep when you know that God is your source of strength. Joy is a by product of focusing on God which will or can give you a wonderful peaceful sense of well-being. When you spend time daily in prayer, praising and studying God’s Word I guarantee you, you will experience great joy! It will give you a different perspective in your time of need.
You can overcome any adversity
The Apostle Paul endured many adversities. Yet he chose to use those adversities to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. Paul did not seek to be elevated by a title although he had every right to pull rank on the religious hierarchy. God’s grace was fully sufficient for Paul. Paul grasped something that few people ever really understand or attain. Paul delighted and found joy in the Lord regardless of what was going on about him. From an outward appearance this was not always apparent to his onlookers. Paul and Silas together sang and prayed so fervently that even the doors to prison were opened for them. This is one of the many examples of the difference God makes when we invite HIM into our lives.
We serve an Omnipresent Almighty GOD!
God’s presence and comfort is near and dear. God is never far from any of us. Believing, knowing and actually applying God’s Word will transform your mind to think spiritually when faced with grief or any trial or situation that comes into your life. Now this does not mean being in denial; quite the contrary. Knowing the Truth is so very powerful. It increases your discernment!
Man looks on the outside. God looks at the heart. According to God’s Word spiritual things can not be understood by the natural or carnal man. There are those who think so carnally you have to proceed with caution. There is a reason why the Word says; “lay your hands on no man suddenly…” There is a spiritual transference when laying on hands. Be careful who you let lay hands on you. Anger begats anger & Peace begats peace. The Laying on of hands is NOT for show. The power of suggestion is real and some will respond simply because they are easily led.
It is so very important to KNOW GOD & HIS WORD for yourself! Seeking the Truth brings Light into our lives. Quickly release the things that are not true. This also allows less room for any darkness to penetrate the Spiritual Armor. Allow God’s Light to shine in your heart, mind and soul in the midst of grief. Know that the The Kingdom of God resides within the committed believer. Luke 17 Therefore regularly take some time to; “Be still and know!” Let God direct and comfort you. His Holy Spirit is the Awesome Comforter. God’s Word will be a Light unto your path in every situation. Through Christ Jesus we have been blessed with the opportunity to overcome life as we live to please God.
It is written;
God’s Word says; “Now this I say, brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has out on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory…” Revelation 15: 50-55.
CHRIST JESUS conquered life, sin, death and the grave!
Yes we all will experience grief to some extent within our lifetime. But remember when a believer dies he/she goes to Heaven. As a believer although it is an enemy, death is not to be feared. Nor is it something anyone should choose as an option. Our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus conquered life, sin, death, and the grave for us. He sacrificed His life and atoned for the sins of the world. We are to reach to HIM! We have been given the gift of “Eternal Life.” We who truly believe and have accepted Jesus into our hearts have been blessed. We will transition this earth to live with God in Heaven throughout eternity. Romans 8 emphatically teaches us, there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God, not even death. God is awesome!
We will never fully understand many things. There are daily many world wide tragedies about us. God said that before the end of time many will be deceived and believe a lie. That many would take pleasure in unrighteousness.
The Perilous Days are upon us
In these “Latter Days” the Scriptures are being fulfilled. Many all throughout the world are grieving the loss of love ones daily. Due to the Coronavirus and other pestilences and plagues, death, diseases, suicide, violence, crime, terrorist attacks, war, hurricanes, floods, fierce monsoon rains and furious tsunamis. Millions have died.
Just imagine what the original flood was like. God is speaking. WE all must ge better at listening. Keep in mind we know through God’s Word that the end of time as we know it will not be via water. It will be by fire!
God sets the rainbow in the sky as a reminder of His promise. He reminds us by this that He will not destroy the world again with a flood. We also know that God is fully aware of everything that ever happens everywhere in the world. We serve a miracle working God! He is more than able. God has promised that He would always be with us.
Knowing and focusing on God during your grief or any other difficult situation you may be going through will result favorably. It may not always be easy for you. But, by exercising self-control and reaching out to God it is possible. This does not mean you will not be hurt, saddened, cry or feel abandoned. It is how you feel that let’s you know you are alive. You may even choose to walk away from God. But please know: “God will never forsake us!” So come what may; hold on to Him.
Wherever we are we can always reach out to God
God already knows our hearts. He is well acquainted with grief. Therefore, daily begin to partake in His spiritual fruit. The fruit of God’s Spirit are accessible. Self control will help you not to be controlled by your thinking, despair, others or feelings. God’s Word tells us we can even be angry yet not sin. We must yearn to yield to God’s way of reacting and responding. One never knows what a day may bring. But we do know that GOD is OMNIPRESENT! We can always and forever reach out to HIM anywhere 24/7! It is in HIM lone can we always & forever find true “Security & Significance!”
Every Word of God is true. One must only learn how to use and properly implement it and apply it wisely. It is our spiritual sword that is sharper than a two edged sowrd. It cuts both ways. Wisdom comes from God.
I thank & Praise the Lord that we have the victory even in death. How is that? Remember; Christ Jesus has overcome death and the grave. He atoned for the sins of the world upon the cross. He was crucified, died and was buried. Then He miraculously rose with all power!
Begin thinking and looking at life from a spiritual perspective. God’s children are the “apple of His eye.” God loved us so much that He allowed His only begotten Son to die for us. God is so much more than our little finite minds can imagine. God wants to walk with you through this valley of the shadow of death. He always wants us to be victorious when we are walking in TRUTH!
We serve an Omniscient Almighty GOD
Nothing ever happens in any of our lives and in the world that gets by God. God our Father and Creator ultimately always has everything under His control! Carefully read the biblical history of Job. This is why it is so very important to accept “Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!” Jesus is the only door to heaven. God’s Word tells us that there is no other name by which you can be saved.
“It is written;
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has on those who fear him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.
As for a man/woman his/her days are like grass, he/she flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’ s children- with those who keeps His Covenant. and remember to obey His precepts. The Lord has established His throne in Heaven, and His Kingdom rules over all…” PSALM 103 NIV
However, you must accept Jesus into your heart if you plan to spend eternity with God. He is the only Door to God and there is no other way to heaven. Living out loud His Word daily will give you the strength to go through this valley of the shadow of death. We can be or become confident in God’s Word! You can learn to “Walk by Faith!” God has showed us what is good and what He requires of us. And that it is the whole duty of man/woman to; “Do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6
Grief is natural
Life here on earth is just a mere passage way to our soul’s eternal resting place. Grief is natural. You have a right to be sad. You have a right to cry and grieve. But you do not have to live here. You can find comfort in the Lord. The Valley of the Shadow of death is real. But allow the Lord to take you through your grief not stay there forever. Stay in touch with all your feelings. But, don’t let them rob you from embracing and reminiscing upon the precious memories you shared with your love one. Allow room for joy and peace. Let this motivate you to live life to its fullest in an even better way.
Time is precious! Therefore moving forward it is important not to take it for granted. Yes initially there is a period of heaviness that might dwell with you. But daily learn to give your heavy Lord over to the Lord. Yes, you may still sometimes or annually experience this grief as well. Grief is experienced differently by each individual. At times it comes in waves. It can creep up on you. It happens randomly. But allow the precious moments in as well.
Invite the presence of the Lord all around you
When your heart is heavy freely cry and release your emotions. Get you a soft comfy pillow and turn on some good Gospel Music and let it rip. Let the tears go. But, also try singing, praying, praising and or giving thanks to God. Try just being still. Don’t run! Invite the presence of the Lord around you. Now take some time and meditate upon the Word.
Now you are ready to freely dwell upon the great moments and happy times you have shared with your love one. People do not belong to us they are not ours to keep. When the appointed time comes to transition this life we must release them back to the Lord. Remember how God has blessed you. Be Patient. Know with the Lord there will always be more time with them who believe in Him on the other side of Heaven. There will be a ” Sweet Heavenly Reunion.” They are in fact; ” absent from the body, but present with the Lord.” But know; This is only true if they accepted Christ Jesus into their hearts as their Lord and Savior.
If your love one did not believe grieve and intercede for their soul perhaps in those lasts moments they actually accepted Christ Jesus into their heart. You never know how your life impacted their life. This will also help you to stay focus on Him instead of your grief or situation at hand as you place them in the Lord’s hand. Your security and significance must rely upon God who is the amazing incredible “Solid Rock Foundation!” For He is greater than anything that will ever happen within our lives.
We never know what each day may bring. We are living in perilous times and some of everything is happening and will happen. Living for God is not just a Sunday thing. It is a daily lifestyle. We the people are His Church. Our body is the Temple where HIS HOLY SPIRIT resides. We are supposed to live each day as though we are really expecting our Lord to return. Daily welcome His infilling presence within you and all around you!
Salvation is truly God’s wonderful plan for us. God extends salvation to all that sincerely accept Jesus Christ into their hearts as Savior and Lord. One must truly believe, for Jesus Christ is the “Door ” to heaven. “JESUS saith unto him, I am the WAY the TRUTH ad the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER; but by ME.” John 14 This is key to unlocking your faith & trust in the Lord. For this secures our heavenly residence with the Lord. He can give us hope in the midst of grief, death, persecution and longsuffering. Truly deliverance from all evil is possible. YES LORD! THANK YOU FATHER GOD FOR YOUR PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT!
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, but beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Thessalonians 2: 13-14.
GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS!
This is why His Word says in everything give thanks. God di not say that life would always be easy. Regardless how things look; there is always & forever HOPE in the LORD! GOD is strong, sovereign and mighty. Above HIM there is no other. GOD CAN bring you through this. Lean on the Lord and keep believing and trusting in Him. Let Him lead you upon the Path of Righteousness for His Name sake. For He is more than able. Again do invite the presence of the Lord all around you. Spend time with the Lord in His Word. FOR ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU HIS PEACE THAT SURPASSES THE UNDERSTANDING of Man/Woman.
GOD IS HOLY! HE IS A GREAT GOD. “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” all throughout your day. This helps you learn how to keep your focus upon GOD. CALL UPON JESUS & YES EVERYDAY; PRAISE HIM & BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!
Today Is A Gift So Be “THANKFUL!”
December 28, 2011 by Minister/Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, life
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I start each day with; “This is the Day that The LORD has made! Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it! O LORD SAVE us; O LORD grant us success. BLESSED is he who comes in the Name of the LORD. From the House of the LORD we BLESS you.The LORD is GOD and HE has made HIS Light to shine upon us.” It is interesting how we can sometimes take it for granted that there will be another day after today! Think about it for a moment! Who but GOD can make a DAY?
As each new year draws near and end I am quite Thankful! There have been many things to take place this year throughout the world! Many who started the year out with us have passed on to the other side! There have been numerous earthquakes and natural disasters that have ravaged the land! The magnitude of the world’s overall dwindling economy has reached catastrophic proportions! Many countries are suffering… Yes some have begun to rebound but the aftermath is residual. The plethora of terrorists attacks are insane… For many things will never be quite the same. The ongoing cycle of wars ending and wars beginning seem endless…
I realize that the holiday season can be a time of great anxiety for many! Memories of loved ones that have passed on and distressing times seek to vigilantly rob you of your joy! But look you are still here! You still have more time! Time is priceless! Try to think about some of the happier moments and times that you shared with them and dwell upon the fond, humorous, tender and warmhearted memories! Build new and cherished memories to hold on to! Honor their memory now as you keep them close to heart! Live live to its fullest. Set new goals and forge ahead seeking ways to accomplish your goals! Look forward to an improving quality of life no matter how long or short… Change is always on the horizon! Anything that does not change is dead. Celebrate life itself as you continue to move forward!
I can personally think of some very unpleasant moments, times of grief, illnesses, deaths, distresses and calamitous disasters that have taken place but I do not want to dwell there! Nor do I desire to camp in denial! I pray that the Lord will continue to open my eyes to TRUTH! Knowing that He will lead you or I as we are willing to submit to His Will & Way! I so want to continuously “Abide in the Shadow of the Almighty…! ” Psalm 91. This verse assures us that His protection is always available… Time waits on no one! Well I must say that The Lord can and did allow time to be turned back for a moment… “
King Hezekiah was a great example! Here we learn that God keeps His promises! With Him even the impossible is possible! “Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go to the Temple of The Lord on the third day from now?” Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what He has promised; shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?” “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.” The prophet Isaiah called upon the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.” II Kings 20.
What are you saying; King Hezekiah was faithful to the Lord! He became sick and to the point of death. He turned his face to the wall and humbly and sincerely prayed to the Lord asking the Lord to heal him! As a sign he asked if the shadow could go back ten steps! The stairway of Ahaz is a sundial. The Egyptians made their sundials in the form of miniature staircase. Shadows moved up and down to tell the time! The Lord honored Hezekiah’s request! “On the third day from now you will go up to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life…” II Kings 20. Here we can see that time belongs to GOD! Evidently Hezekiah had not yet fulfilled his purpose on this side of heaven and the Lord extended his time! He granted Hezekiah another fifteen years of life!
My point here is that time is so precious and sometimes we just never know from moment to moment what will be… Even in the face of death we can turn to the Lord! We can begin to relish each moment and seek to have happier moments! To sincerely make an attempt to deal with life responsively even when it becomes unpleasant despite what is going on about us! To live life to its fullest! I believe if you reach deep enough inside, and think broad enough anyone can find something to be thankful for no matter how infinitesimally small it might be! Life itself is a precious gift! Our good days can outweigh the rough times… You may have to take it moment by moment during the difficult days when you can’t see your way through… Just know someone somewhere has more or less yet, no matter how large or small or seemingly insignificant we can express thanks! Memories are priceless! God is bigger and beyond anyone, anything or any situation we may ever encounter! He will see you through!
If you have been depressed for a long time, it’s time for things to change! God really does the FRUIT of HIS SPIRIT to flourish within all of our lives daily! Know that it is the devil who wants to keep you bogged down in regrets, fear, doubt, shame and hopelessness. To make you feel so bad that the pains of life have you down and overwhelmed! To separate you from the Lord and to get you to focus on your pain! Don’t let your emotions continue to get the best of you. Exercise some self-control! Reach out to the Lord! Cry out to Him He can meet you right where you are! There is light at the end of the tunnel you may feel lonely but you are not alone! God can reach over your abyss of torment and bring you through to start anew! Know that today is a gift from Him!
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to save us from sin. Sin is anything that separates us from GOD! Jesus came to earth to give us hope for a better life with the Lord! He never sinned and did many marvelous miraculous healings, signs and wonders! He even fed thousands of people with a small lunch of fish and bread shared by a generous young boy! The Book of John even tells us that the world could not contain the books of all the miraculous things that Jesus did WOW! Look at GOD! HE IS AMAZING! Although JESUS helped many, He was still horrendously mistreated! He was beaten, spit upon then nailed to the cross and placed in a borrowed tomb! It was borrowed because He did not plan to stay there! What happened to Him was a part of God’s plan for us! Jesus redeemed us and paid the price for the sins of the world with His life! He arose with all power from the grave declaring power over sin and death! GOD IS AWESOME!
“But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was IMPOSSIBLE for death the KEEP its hold on HIM. David said about Him:
“I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue REJOICES; my body also will live in HOPE, because you will not abandon Me to the grave. Nor will you let your HOLY ONE see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with JOY in Your presence!” Acts 2.
Today is a gift from God! Draw closer to the Lord and shift your focus to Him! He will and can make all the difference in the world in your life! Everyone who is willing to invite Him into their heart can receive His Holy Spirit! He is the Inner Teacher, Guide, Wonderful Counselor and Comforter! Do not let life just pass you by! Ask the Lord to fill your heart and lift you from despair and fill you with His JOY!
No one can be a better you than you! Don’t allow man to take you down the primrose path that leads to destruction… Don’t allow the devil to make you live in regrets… What has happened cannot be undone! But you can always choose to go forward from where you are with the hope of building a better tomorrow! You can live eternally with the Lord! Don’t let anyone or anything rob you of Hope! Seek God for yourself! We can always have Hope in the LORD! Faith is what inspires Hope! Trust GOD! This is why an ongoing intimate personal relationship with The Lord is so very important! God is Love! He is the Great Equalizer! This is why He gave us His Son JESUS CHRIST! To accept Him into our hearts and let Him become our personal SAVIOR & LORD! With Him your age, race, address, bank account, medical condition, state of mind, societal status, IQ, what you have or do not have, does not change His Love for You! In Him you can discover everything that you will ever need! He can help you be the best you! He can fill your inner void and give you His PEACE that surpasses the understanding of man! PRAISE GOD!!!
God has created each of us for a purpose! “And we KNOW that in ALL things GOD works together for the GOOD” Romans 8. In HIS time! Life is about living and discovering whatever that purpose may be. All the signs of the last days are all about us! “ “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:25-28. Knowing this we can be thankful as time draws near! Prepare today! JESUS IS COMING SOON!
In Him we can have blessed assurance! It is “in HIM we live and move and have our being!” Acts 17. Yes be Aware! Yes express your doubts and fears! However make Him your focus! Not in a legalistic religious way! God wants us to enjoy life on this side of heaven! Spend time in His presence, meditating upon His Word! Allow Him to write His Word upon the tables of your heart and trust Him to bring it to your memory when needed! His Word is precious Spiritual Food for our souls! You have as much time as you need with the Lord, because time belongs to Him! Draw closer to the Him regardless of what is happening or not happening about you! Despite what is happening in this world know that He is still in control! His Word is being fulfilled!
Make it a point to spend time in His presence today! Be Thankful today because tomorrow is not promised! We know from His Word that even when your days may be few if it is His will He can extend time! If your Faith is dwindling and your heart troubled ask the Lord to rekindle your FAITH! Surrender your anxiety, depression, sadness,doubt, regrets or sickness to Him and let Him restore your JOY! Recommit or commit to His will and His way! God is our Protector, Healer and Deliverer we must continuously learn to entrust our wellbeing to HIM! Allow Him to be your Refuge and Fortress! God has already given us the Greatest Gift ever which is JESUS CHRIST!! We can Celebrate Christmas, New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving , Anniversaries, Birthdays, Holidays and everyday knowing that “”The earth is the LORD’S and everything in it the world and them that dwell therein!” Psalm 24. Trust God for brighter moments, days and precious memories ahead! He CAN and will supply ALL of your needs in CHRIST JESUS! GOD TRULY IS ABLE!! Prayer and Faith go together! Each day is a day to be Thankful! “This is the Day that The LORD has MADE! Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it!” GOD BLESS YOU!
Grief – (Grieving Is Emotionally Painful) Part 1
December 28, 2009 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
GRIEF!
Whenever you or a love one experiences a traumatic situation, significant loss, serious illness or death it is normal to experience grief.
There are many other types of losses that occur in life that can result in grief as well. Recovery issues, divorce, relationship issues, addiction, disappointment, financial harships, relocation, career change, natural disasters as well as a miscarriage or abortion can all trigger one to experience a significant degree of grief. We are experiencing worldwide a plethora of adverse climatic weather conditions, pestilence & plagues. This has resulted in a multitude of personal loses. Lives, homes, businesses, possessions, and mental wellbeing has been greatly impacted. The initial reaction to any of the above is usually shock accompanied by a feeling of numbness.
Find solace in GOD while you are grieving
Grief can often result in one feeling a deep sense of overwhelming depression, anger, fear, anxiety, hopelessness and or abandonment. It is also possible to ask “why me?” Anger and resentment may result in feelings of ambivalence. Initially the above symptoms are natural. The passing of time is a partial salve that can and will eventually anesthetize your deep pain.
If you are a Christian, finding solace in God’s Word during grief is a great resource to help you maneuver through a plethora of emotions. It is during grief you can actually learn to embrace God’s spiritual comfort. The deep void that one experiences during grief is often unexplainable. So if you don’t feel like talking try spending some quiet time with God. Truly the Lord can help you rise to a level of Joy despite the grief that besets your soul.
Make it a point to not intrude upon the privacy of others.
As you truly and earnestly seek God who is the ultimate “Comforter” you can experience His abiding presence. If you are a believer you should know that God’s Word is true. Not some of it but all of it. His promise to “never leave us nor forsake us” must be faithfully embraced in your hour of need. Only He can give you; “His Peace that surpasses the understanding of man.”
Grieving is an emotionally painful process
Allowing the one that is grieving to talk freely about how they are feeling is healthy and consoling. Many become depressed and can have a deep sense of guilt. There are two types of guilt; normal and neurotic guilt. Neurotic guilt is based on unrealistic expectations or situations. Deep depression is actually disappointments, and or unresolved anger turned inwardly. This has begun to burden down their soul. It must be faced in order to begin the healing process…
It is healthy to allow yourself or them the freedom to talk about their love one, issue or situation at hand. It is a choice to move towards healing.
Enabling is never healthy. Allowing them to work through their emotions by being there for them or encouraging them to be active is a good thing. Timing and sensitivity is key. Taking a walk, run or go jogging may even be relaxing and release some inner tension. During an opportune moment try telling them a humorous story or a funny joke can help lift their spirit momentarily.
Encourage them in their walk with the Lord
If they don’t already have a relationship with the Lord seek appropriate moments to introduce them to the Lord. Helping them to freely express their feelings and concerns are healthy. Remember everyone is different. Just because you do not see them crying does not mean they are not grieving. Some people elect to privately grieve. Sometimes just doing nothing momentarily is good.
Just being there helps. There are times they prefer to just be alone. Don’t force yourself into their private moments. Check in on them when led. A good friend will be patient, sensitive, caring and compassionate and understanding at this time. Again, just knowing you are there for them can be a great sense of comfort.
During the holidays when there are many festive celebrations this can also be a reminder to many of their time of loss. After the holidays pass and all the seasonal excitement has dissipated there may be a resurgence of grief. This too is a natural response. Again try to allow yourself to think of some of the happier times you shared together.
Freely cry when necessary yet do not become overwhelmed and allow it to pull you in a deep depression. The tears will help to naturally relieve your soul of pressure. Reach out to someone you trust when you feel yourself going in a deep dark place. Depression and sickness can be spawned in the midst of grief. Emotional pain when not dealt with properly can trigger physical illness. Where, what and whom you focus on will make a world of difference.
GOD still has a purpose for you
In spite of all the painful things that can happen or has happened in life, there is always something good to think about. God still has you here for a purpose. Some days you might have to take it a moment at a time. Again, please allow yourself to think about some of the cheerful experiences you shared with your love ones. God tells us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything. Although painful suffering is a part of life. You can make it though this. Just think if we did not know sorrow how would we know joy?
Life can be difficult at times
This may be the last thing you want to hear. But their time on this side of Heaven has expired. They have lived their life here on earth. Your love one is really in a much better place. They have actually transcended suffering. They have moved on to Heavenly Eternal Life to experience ultimate healing if they are believers. If not pray fervently for their souls… Just maybe in their lasts moments they choose to accept Christ Jesus into their hearts. When you focus on God you can have joy even in the midst of your grieving. This is why it is so important to develop an intimate daily ongoing personal relationship with Him. This way you can be sure of where you will spend eternity. You can also ejoice knowing; You will see them again.
God does not take pleasure in seeing us suffer. He too knows the ultimate suffering. Remember when HE allowed HIS sinless SON CHRIST JESUS to die on the cross for the sins of the world? So yes, cry when sorrow besets your soul. But look to the Lord the “Author & Finisher of your Faith” to help you through it. He can help you do what seems impossible.
Grief and sorrow are a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. When they disobeyed they chose sin, death and grief as a way of life for mankind. This is why it is important to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Because of His death and resurrection we now have direct access to the Father.
