GOOD GRIEF!
The Bible tells us that Job lost everything, his live stock, and his sons and daughters. In his grief he said, in Job 1:21, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” NIV
Job’s grief took him on a journey of understanding who God was. He had to come to the realization that God is sovereign. If you read the context of Job 1, you will see that Job thought he knew God. But it was not until the closing chapters that Job actually understands that God is sovereign over everything and everyone.
So how does that help us deal with crisis or loss? It gives us a foundation of hope. God is sovereign. He alone can be trusted. A time of loss is a time to develop a deeper and closer walk with God. It’s how we grieve that is critical because it will determine our future happiness and joy. First Thessalonians 4:13 tells us that it’s OK to grieve, but not like the unbeliever who has no hope. For the Christian, our grief should be different because of the assurance and expectation that God is real, His Word is true, and eternal life is a reality. That is a tremendous foundation of comfort and hope.
I’ve learned that a time of loss or crisis is God’s opportunity to demonstrate His agape love to us in a very personal way. Yes, the emotional pain will come, sometimes in the most unexpected times. But as you allow God to lead you through your valley, the pain will ease and you will grow stronger.
Perhaps the best preparation for dealing with crisis or loss is before it occurs. It begins with an understanding of the sovereignty of God. Live life to the fullest; love with all your heart, but hold all things loosely. Remember that, “As for man, his days are like grass , he 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.” (Ps 103:15-17) NIV
That’s my view of things.