Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Death, such a solemn and final thing to deal with, it brings sorrow into our lives as we mourn those we loved and the loss of their lights in our world. We so often see ourselves and those we love as invincible, immortal and yet when death comes, we are faced with our own mortality. Many go through this time without hope and find themselves deep in despair over their loved ones. But, as a christian, there is great hope, there is a knowing of how the story ends and where, if they too are saved, our loved ones are headed. We are comforted with the knowledge that we will one day see them again in heaven. We cannot live forever here on earth; we cannot stay in the same season always.

Yet, even with knowing the story and finding comfort in the one day we will meet again, we still find ourselves heartbroken and mourning the loss of our loved one. The pain aches deep in our chests and grief washes over us in waves as we learn to live without our special people. With each day I have learned that even during the waves of grief and the pangs of sorrow I can still find comfort and strength in the Lord.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in him I will trust.”

In times of mourning and grief we are reminded that in our weakest moments God’s strength shines through if we believe and trust in him to help us through. God is good in all things, even in death. We can find comfort, if our loved ones are saved, that death is only pertaining to the flesh. For Jesus conquered death and for those of us who believe in Him, His sacrifice and His gift of salvation through His death on the cross, we know that we will have life eternal with Him in heaven. So, in our moment of gloom and clouds, we know that one day the sun shall shine again.

This does not mean that we will not cry, feel angry, or even struggle to accept the heaviness and finality of death in our present lives. It means that even in my moments of weakness, during my times of mourning, I have a God who is good, strong, and loving. He comforts me and gives me the strength each day to move forward with purpose and joy. God shows me that even in my season of mourning, I have so much to be thankful for. The seasons of laughter and dancing are but memories for the moment, but more will come, and I can choose to remember the blessing of my loved one in the moments that I miss her the most.

So, if you too are mourning, take time to sit with your grief and with God. Let him strengthen and comfort you. If you are dealing with a friend who is mourning, pray for them and sit with them in their time of grief. Remember Jesus grieved multiple times, and he wept. There is a time for mourning, but joy will come in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

I pray each of you find solace and comfort in our Lord during your difficult times and that you find peace and joy amidst the grief and sorrow. May the Lord’s strength fill you and renew you with each passing day. I pray the love of our God fill you to the brim and that as you mourn you still live a Jesus filled life. May we always allow the light and love of God to shine through us even when we feel the pangs of mourning.