Sensing The Sorrow

Thursday, November 2, 2000

Psalm 119:28 – My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (NIV)

I can't quite explain my feeling in coming to share the sorrow in the loss of my sister-in-law. At the same time, I was made aware of two contributors to the Daily who lost loved ones. Both have suffered a loss of their own and in writing to them, I sensed that same feeling: a quietness. It has struck each one of us: a stillness of the soul — not depression — just a time out, to re-group and to come back even stronger. We are in the Lord. We struggle in Christ to know Him on an even deeper level.

We have been "taking time to hear, to feel, to see, in all things, His presence." Then, we are able to "turn around, after receiving, and give to others who may be discouraged along the way." What a wonderful thing for us to be able to do!

There comes a time in our lives that we don't really want think about: a time when we see our loved ones reach old age; a time when we have to take upon ourselves their responsibilities; a time when we lose a mate to death.

I have just witnessed a boy, now forty years old, whom I hadn't previously noticed as having grown up and matured. His mom had a heart attack and passed to be with the Lord very suddenly. His dad had become totally dependent on his wife, and now he needs to be looked after. In old age, the mom and dad chose to remain in their home. Now their adopted children have had to take on the responsibility of looking after dad (at age eighty-two) and all of his affairs.

They have faced breaking up the parental home, selling almost everything, keeping their dad comfortable, and arranging for him to move into his son's home for a time of adjustment and analysis of what is best for him.

This was a home of love where two adopted children learned how to receive and to give love. It offers an example we can all learn from: to love one another, to look after the needs of our loved ones, and, in so doing, to honour God.

Prayer: Lord, we sense your presence ever near. We all need a time to mourn the loss of our loved ones. We have great comfort when we know that our loved one is with you, but we need your help to stand tall again. Help us to our feet in due time. Strengthen our souls that we may grow in grace, in strength and in You, O Lord our God. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook

About the author:

Anne Russell <annerussell80@gmail.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Send your feedback to the author

Comments are closed.

Next Post
»
 



PresbyCan is a community of faithful, Holy Spirit-filled, Christ-centred, God-honouring Christians.