This week was pastors conference, things were running great, pastors were engaged and learning how to put together an expository teaching until our Pastor Aaron Mawanda had a heart attack and died.
To see the entire video please go to https://youtu.be/pOEDTC8bnBw
Today I want to talk about grief
What it means: Deep mental anguish (which is torment; physical or mental pain; extreme pain of body or mind, distress)
We have all lost someone, grief has touched everyone of our lives.
Scripture referenced in video:
Right Perspective – John 11:35, Job 1:20
Serves a Purpose – Ecclesiastes 7:2
Not Permanent – Psalms 30:5
Joy vs Rejoicing
The thing vs expressing the thing
Grief and Joy can coexist
God is still faithful
Hebrews 4:15, Jesus gets you
Naomi is not called Mara (bitter) Ruth 1:20
God is with you Psalms 23:4
He collects your tears Psalms 56:8, he steps in to do this, you have to be very close to catch a tear
Psalms 45, 91…
Overcoming
Through God
Ultimate source of comfort 2 Corinthians 7:6
The Comforter (Holy Spirit) 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – He comforts us and we comfort others
He gets you, and you can come to him in confidence Hebrews 4:15-16 – you will find mercy & grace
He understands you Psalms 139:2 – He knows what you’re thinking anyway, be honest with Him
He loves you, He’s still in control, He knows what He’s doing
Through others
Body of Christ helps with burdens (Galatians 6:2)
We mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15)
Don’t go off on your own, much better to talk through it with someone who knew the person too. God knows what you’re thinking but others do not so share when you are hurting. You offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, fellowship, guidance, and healing comes as you share stories about the deceased. Your burden gets lighter as you share and talk about the impact they had on your life. Think of a memory that makes you smile….
You could also do something they enjoyed doing. For example, Pastor Jesse loved running, maybe you go running as your worship God, thanking Him for that life. Try something your loved one enjoyed.
Lastly, honor their memory by living in a way that brings glory and honor to God.
We’ve seen that grief is a natural response to death, it is part of life
We have hope in Christ (John 10.28)
God is strong enough for your burden (Matthew 11:28-30)
Give your hurt to him, He is the great Comforter (John 14:16)
Remember He sent you a Titus (2Corinthian 7:6)
You have hope/anchor in Christ (Hebrews 6:19-20)
He who believes in Christ will never die (John 11:25) physical death is not the end
We are busy right after a death but a quiet time is coming. When all the details of burial are over and you are alone. That is when you remember there is comfort in the Word and with others.
When your grief comes back, maybe a song, a smell, a person brings it right back to you …. Don’t let it destroy you, admit you miss them, cry if you want to, talk with your friend, remember something that made you smile, thank God for the time you had with them, do something they would have enjoyed, honor their life by bringing glory & honor to God.
Mukama akuwe omukisa (God bless you)
