“Our heart aches but we always have joy.” (2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT)
Christmas looms large on the calendar and grieving people often give way to tears. The lights shine too bright and carols ring too brash for those trudging through fresh loss. I know, I’ve been there. Tomorrow marks seven years since my momma moved to the Promised Land. I can remember crying my way through that first Christmas. Many, many holidays later, I still miss her dearly, but I know she’s made it Home safely. I wouldn’t pluck her out of God’s house, even if I had the capability.
My husband’s father is spending the long weekend with us and we talked about this just yesterday. He shared how, after his son passed over twenty years ago, he’s never been the same. I nodded, knowing full well the reality he was living. When precious people pass on, they leave a gaping hole in our lives: a personal Grand Canyon we must learn to maneuver in and around. It’s difficult and different, but by the grace of God, we learn to manage.
Apostle Paul writes about this. He often expressed grief alongside joy, reminding us that sorrow is still an appropriate response to loss. Paul acknowledged his pain, but chose to trust Jesus even amidst suffering.
“Biblical joy comes form the profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus’ life and love.”
(the Bible Project)
Our heart aches, yet we still have joy. We eventually make peace with our pain and live with the bittersweet tension of joy that acknowledges our ache. It’s challenging to find our way forward, but far better then surrendering to the sadness altogether.
For many of my friends this Christmas is a first holiday apart from their loved one. The memories and the emotions they evoke are powerful and overwhelming. I urge the grieving; don’t hide. Tell the Lord how it hurts. Invite Him into the pain. Learn firsthand how closely He’ll walk with us and how powerful He is in the bare face of pain. Call Him near and let Him help navigate a way through the year of firsts and every hurt that sneaks up thereafter. When we partner with Immanuel amidst our pain, we’ll find our way through it and find joy again where we least expect it.
Lord, please attend to my friends dealing with loss in the light of this holiday season. Help them feel Your presence and know Your power, even amidst their darkest hours. Carry them through as only You can and let them experience joy in any measure again. Amen.
This speaks for so many I know this year, including me. It’s the beautifully worded truth of how we conquer sorrow through the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Amen!
Thank you, my friend. We keep looking up, even as the tears stream down our face. He is faithful to meet us amidst our sorrow and whisper promises of a better future ahead. <3 Praying for you in this season. Love you, sweet lady!