“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Grief and sorrow were no stranger to Jesus and grief and sorrow are no stranger to us as well. As Jesus leads us through the seasons of life, we will experience times of grief and sorrow… especially in times of loss, especially loss of a loved one. Sorrow is something we cannot avoid or ignore, but there is a way through it, in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Even as we grieve, we have hope… in His love, in His promises, in His care and in His strength.

I know that Jesus is never more close to us then when we sorrow and grieve. He wants us to express how we feel because He understands. His Word says that he is near the brokenhearted and that he was sent to heal the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18, Luke 4:18) He cares for you today. I also know that grief takes time and everyone is different. Don’t be moved by well meaning people who say you should be over it by now or give other good intentioned advise. Take your time… just be aware that there will be a time to get up again and start breathing again. Keep your eyes on Jesus and stay in his presence… He will lead you through this place you haven’t been before.

Always remember the hope of Heaven that we have. Paul wrote that in this life only we have hope, then we are the most miserable of all men. There will be a time when there will be no more pain, no more sorrow and no more tears… and we will always be with our Lord and our loved ones. Life is short but Heaven is forever.

And as God comforts you, you will be able to comfort others who may be going through what you have been through. I found out the best way to handle my sorrow and resist depression is to be there for someone else who also sorrows. He will strengthen you and your heart will beat once more! “Everything is beautiful in it’s time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and it will be beautiful once again! There will be a time to laugh, and there will be a time to dance! He will do it!