I have shared this elsewhere before, and I think it would be a helpful paper here to read. - 1 Watchman
Dear_________:
For some time I have thought about writing to you, but hesitated as I felt inadequate to say anything. That is often what happens with people in times of sorrow, but truly our thoughts and prayers are for you.
There are some things one might say in a natural sense, but what we need most of all at a time like this is to consider the love and mind of God. He has given us His precious Word for that, and therein are the eternal issues.
At such a time one feels many things all at once, but God says: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psa.46:10). He is our Creator and He loves us, and He does all things well and according to His purposes. He never makes a mistake. There is "...a time to be born and a time to die" (Eccl.3:1-2). Job said of his many troubles and loss: "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). God knows and understands our needs and our sorrow, and He cares, but His perfect plan must unfold.
Thank God the grieving will pass. Time will heal the broken heart, though one will always feel the loss. One might say: "It would not have happened if...", but all things are according to God's plan. He is never early or late. We need to see God in everything and say: "Thy will be done" (Matt.26: 42), as did the blessed Lord Jesus, when He suffered and died on the cross for our sins.
We need to know God's love and peace (see Phil.4:7; Prov.23:26). He will keep one in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Isa.26:3). How is that? Well, as we begin to see and think God's thoughts He makes us to "lie down in green pastures" (Psa.23; Phil.4:9). The way is open through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.5:1-2). God says: "But now in Christ Jesus ye who once were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph.2:13). If one's hope and trust and fellowship is in Him, therein one will find peace. It is peace in the Redeemer, not in His teachings or example, etc.
Read God's Word and rest on His "exceeding great and precious promises", dear one, and be assured of His love (see John 3 and John 14 precious thoughts). God says: the time is short, so trust in Jesus while we have time. One day we will understand the mysteries more fully. Look up always! - [RLD]
THOUGHTS EXPRESSED OVER GRIEF AND LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
[Some ministry to a new believer with little understanding of the Word of God who needed to find peace.]
[Some ministry to a new believer with little understanding of the Word of God who needed to find peace.]
Dear_________:
For some time I have thought about writing to you, but hesitated as I felt inadequate to say anything. That is often what happens with people in times of sorrow, but truly our thoughts and prayers are for you.
There are some things one might say in a natural sense, but what we need most of all at a time like this is to consider the love and mind of God. He has given us His precious Word for that, and therein are the eternal issues.
At such a time one feels many things all at once, but God says: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psa.46:10). He is our Creator and He loves us, and He does all things well and according to His purposes. He never makes a mistake. There is "...a time to be born and a time to die" (Eccl.3:1-2). Job said of his many troubles and loss: "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). God knows and understands our needs and our sorrow, and He cares, but His perfect plan must unfold.
Thank God the grieving will pass. Time will heal the broken heart, though one will always feel the loss. One might say: "It would not have happened if...", but all things are according to God's plan. He is never early or late. We need to see God in everything and say: "Thy will be done" (Matt.26: 42), as did the blessed Lord Jesus, when He suffered and died on the cross for our sins.
We need to know God's love and peace (see Phil.4:7; Prov.23:26). He will keep one in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Isa.26:3). How is that? Well, as we begin to see and think God's thoughts He makes us to "lie down in green pastures" (Psa.23; Phil.4:9). The way is open through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.5:1-2). God says: "But now in Christ Jesus ye who once were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph.2:13). If one's hope and trust and fellowship is in Him, therein one will find peace. It is peace in the Redeemer, not in His teachings or example, etc.
Read God's Word and rest on His "exceeding great and precious promises", dear one, and be assured of His love (see John 3 and John 14 precious thoughts). God says: the time is short, so trust in Jesus while we have time. One day we will understand the mysteries more fully. Look up always! - [RLD]
