On Grief & Freedom - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) July 14, 2023

Every single human has experienced grief and trauma of some sort. Even innocent babies have it rough during childbirth. Imagine what it's like for them having enjoyed the cocoon of their mother's womb only to be forced out and rough handled during delivery? Why do you think they cry so hard when they're born? Be rest assured, those aren't tears of joy.

Now, think of yourself and the rough moments you've been through. The months and possibly years of not having enough money to pay bills or even eat well? What about that thing you needed and trusted for but it didn't show up? These sorts of disappointments have happened, likely multiple times, in your life, and it's hard to see how they were a form of God's mercy, grace or even blessings.

Let me speak for myself and an upsetting experience. Someone close to me died some time ago despite my pleas and intercessions. I prayed with zeal for this person and yet they passed away. I'll never forget crying in public like an infant when I heard the news.

However, God helped me understand that there was no need to cry for that person. They'd given their life to Christ not long before their passing and no longer endured the pain they'd dealt with because of disease. All I could do was worship the Lord for the person's life and rejoice that God had welcomed them to heaven. It hurt to not have them around anymore but I understood it would be selfish of me to prefer they live with disease than enjoy the pleasures of eternity with their Maker. It took a while but over time, I got to a point where I now smile when I see their picture and remember some of their antics. I thank God for bringing them into my life as well as the other people who entered my life because of them.

Perspective matters when dealing with disappointment and we can't afford to apply our human lenses. We wont get good enough insight. This is why we are told in Proverbs 3:5 that we must not rely upon our own understanding. We need God to reveal His perspective on things because our understanding is grossly limited while His is infinite (Psalm 147:5).

As you consider the experiences in your life that have brought you grief and pain, call on the Lord to help you understand not only the why but the what of the incident. The why provides insight into how the incident came to be (i.e. the contributing factors) and the what focuses on the points God wanted you to learn.

You need to allow God to take you through the process of understanding and receiving the insight that will not only heal you in the now but also protect you in the future. If you let God show you, you'll also be well-equipped to help others going through a similar situation. And when that happens, the words of Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:13 will be fulfilled - And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else (GNT).

None of this is to suggest that visiting therapists is wrong. This is to say, however, that even with that approach, God must play the chief role in bringing about the healing needed to truly enjoy the fullness of life He has available for those of us who believe and live in Him.

May the Lord help us in our journeys toward a deeper and complete healing from the disappointments, the grief and pain we've experienced, IJMN, Amen. God bless you and see you at Noon EST for fellowship. While we wait, please feel free to share how God has given you perspective on things from your past that hurt. You can share as little or as much as you want. Was there scripture you found helpful? Did someone speak a word of godly wisdom to you? Let us share and learn from each other before we gather to praise the Lord, pray for others, then pray for ourselves to receive God's loving guidance out of the pain from our past or even our present.