Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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


Grief Takes Time


James 4:4 says, “Your life is like a mist.  You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.”
We speak of a short life—but compared to eternity, who has a long one?  But in God’s plan every life is long enough and every death is timely.  And though you and I might wish for a longer life, God knows better.
Ecclesiastes 7:3 says, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.”
Egyptians dress in black for six months.  Orthodox Jews offer prayers for a deceased parent every day for eleven months.  Some Muslims wear mourning clothes for a year.  Am I the only one who senses we hurry our hurts?
Did you know that 70% of the Psalms are poems of sorrow?  That the Old Testament includes a book of lamentations?

Grief takes time.  Give yourself some.