Good grief! If you're like me, you may have expressed this a time or two in your life, especially when it seems like it's one thing after the next. Like many of you, life has presented many challenges to me but "grief" in particular is one of the things that has really shown up in my life quite a bit over the last 10 years since I became a pastor, and especially within the last 2 years and as recent as last week. Whenever I grieve, I allow myself to go through all of the emotions and conversations with God that I need. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm actually in the process of grieving over the life of a young man with so much promise who leaves behind his new wife and beautiful girls. In my mind I have all of the questions for God as you could imagine. For me, sitting with it and unpacking grief is never easy. I've learned that it comes and goes.
One day I'm fine, and the next day I'm a full bucket of tears...yep, that's grief! It comes to visit but I have to decide how long it stays, because the longer I allow it to stay it will become paralyzing, making me unable to function. Today (10/3/2022) as I am writing this post, the Spirit of the Lord whispered these words to me "Good Grief" and this is what the Lord spoke to comfort me.
"While you tend to use the phrase "Good Grief" to express your utmost frustration and despair, I need you to understand that Grief is Good for you."
He immediately reminded me that I would never know Him as a healer of broken hearts if I've never had my heart broken by grief (Psalm 147:3). He reminded me that grief is an affliction that comes to us all and the affliction will lead us to learn His statutes if we allow it to (Psalm 119:71). Yes, "Good Grief" teaches us to trust God even when we don't understand the things in life that are just so unexpected. Nothing catches God by surprise. He's always prepared for whatever happens in our life because He knows our beginning and our end. Be encouraged today. If you find yourself in a season of grief or perhaps like me grief visits you from time to time, remember God is close to the brokenhearted and it creates an opportunity for you to lean in and get even closer to Him. Good Grief....grief doesn't feel good but it ultimately works for our good.
One more thing...if you're grieving to the point you're unable to get a grip on life, please don't be afraid to seek counseling. Don't stop praying, BUT also know that there are trained professionals available to help and assist you as you navigate and process your emotions.
Blessings and Love,
Wandra
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