Photo Credit: Janice Tennent
With her head held high, shoulders back, and Bible clutched to her chest, she strode across the windy parking lot and into the back door of the church. I could almost see strength and honor radiating from her as she walked. She didn’t know I was watching. She didn’t know I woke up this morning thinking of her, praying for her family. This morning was the one month anniversary of her husband’s reunion with Jesus.
I knew it would be one of those hard moments for her, when you can either sink into despair over all you’ve lost or swim confidently in the arms of Jesus knowing He is literally carrying you through the pain.
The one month mark. The pain she feels as she subconsciously checks off another milestone, only these milestones aren’t the same as celebrating your baby’s first steps or first word or even your 1oth wedding anniversary. These milestones are full of sadness and longing; sadness and pain over being physically separated for the first time and unable to do anything about it, longing for his arms wrapped around you again and even longing to be together again at the feet of Jesus.
Despite the pain, she showed up today. She dressed in her best –strength and honor– to be in the house of her Lord this morning and I was proud of her. Her husband was worshipping at the feet of Jesus and she was worshipping in the House of the Lord. Despite the pain and significant loss, her and her family’s testimony has ministered to many, showing tangible examples of God’s love, grace, and faithfulness to our community.
Don’t we all have pain inside? You may not have lost a spouse but you’re hurting inside too. Are you avoiding whatever has caused you pain? Maybe it’s friends who have forgotten you? Family who doesn’t understand the pain you feel? Some past hurts and pain buried so deeply you don’t dare dredge it back up?
We hurt. We are a hurting group of people and I just want you to know today that you don’t have to hurt alone. Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4).” I cried my eyes out when my mom when home to be with the Lord. For days, weeks, months, I wept. Until there were no tears left, I wept, and I still do sometimes.
You’ve not known true comfort from the Lord until you’ve suffered great loss.
In my greatest moments of despair, discomfort, pain, and suffering, I felt the Lord gently cradle me, reminding me He was with me and would never forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8). The Holy Spirit filled me with a perfect peace, only from God, releasing me from any guilt I felt, wondering if there was anything I could’ve done to make things different (Isaiah 26:3). The “surprise” twins, being babies then, occupied much of my time, bringing a smile to my tear-stained cheeks, giving me reasons to rejoice in the midst of my pain. Psalm 147:3 was a constant source of comfort, knowing one day He would heal my broken heart. My heart is healing and yours will too if you will let Him comfort you.
Trust God today for your pain. Give it to Him in exchange for strength and honor. I promise, you’ll rejoice in time to come.
“Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.” Proverbs 31:25