YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN GRIEF: Finding Strength Through The Holidays

"God makes a home for the lonely." Psalm 68:6 NASB




My third book on grief was published in 2018. The very first chapter in the book addresses the overwhelming impression that we are alone. Loneliness is one of the most distinguishable aspects of grief. Our loss is a personal journey that, at times, causes us to feel isolated and alone. Perhaps, forsaken.






During the holidays, this loneliness can creep into our hearts as we watch others excitement while enjoying their families. I'm not suggesting we are not thankful for the times with our loved ones. I'm saying the absence of our loved one, who is no longer with us, seems at a greater degree when we are gathered together. I've caught myself looking around at everyone during our family gatherings with the keen awareness that my son is missing. Someone is missing.
We may be doing better and then comes the holiday's bringing with it fresh grief. Especially if this is the first season without a loved one. The firsts are always tremendously hard but not necessarily the hardest.
 Of all the emotions we go through with grief, one very important truth to remember is this: You are not alone. First and foremost, God is with you. His Word describes Jesus as our Great Shepherd and we are the sheep. The Shepherd cares for His sheep continually, never leaving them alone because they are so needy. "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" (Isaiah 40:11 NIV). He tenderly cares for those who are sorrowful, who have collapsed under the weight of grief.



God is a "Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5 NIV). He is our compassionate,
all-sufficient Savior and His grace is always, not sometimes, but always sufficient to take care of us. He knows the pain and sorrow of watching His only Son take the sins of the world on Himself and die on a cruel cross to save us. Since He loves us that much and understands our pain, we can rest assured He is constantly with us. He will not leave us alone.




Secondly, There are other sufferers who understand your pain. I'm not saying they know how you feel. No one knows that but you and God, but you have those who can truly understand your pain; those who walk in the shadow of death, our sojourners in grief who share our sorrows. Sojourner means "temporary journey."  God promises "I WILL NEVER (under any circumstances) DESERT YOU (nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless), NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU (assuredly not)!" (Hebrews 13:5 AMP). He also promises that He will wipe every tear from our eyes. "There will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain" (Rev.21:4 AMP).



Be encouraged this Christmas season. Take heart, fellow believer. We have a good Father and are headed home where we will be with Him and our loved ones......forever!




YOU ARE NOT ALONE