When grieving is fresh. When grieving is still the boss of you and me. When we can barely function with this new piece of us – an uninvited guest we have no idea what to do with – how do we figure out what to do next?
In a very short time, we realize it is here to stay. How do we make peace with it? How will life ever make sense again?
The world has all kinds of answers – fill our lives with busyness. Eat more. Shop more. Volunteer more. Work more. Retreat. Have an affair. Turn to the bottles – pills and alcohol. No one will blame you. After all no one wants to be walking in your shoes.
But whether death has separated you, or rejection through divorce and broken relationships or a diagnosis you never saw coming – a phone call you never expected – know this – know you are not alone.
That pain you are trying so hard to push away – let it remind you – you are still alive. You still feel something – even if it is the numbness of shock.
The above scripture – Jesus is telling the disciples as He is preparing them for His departure – He is leaving them with peace. BUT, He is leaving not just peace – it is HIS peace.
Not how the world would define peace – {freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility}.
But He tells us not to let our hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. If you accept this challenge, you can be sure you have just opened a door that will be anything but peaceful – for awhile – but then . . .
Yet, as you begin to explore what that looks like for you – keep a journal – or make a page in the note section on your phone – if, like me – you often don’t have your journal close by.
Fear – it still has a way of coming out of nowhere and knocking me off my feet. I can find so many things to be afraid of. My list is long.
Yet, Jesus tells us in Philippians 4:6-9
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
This is why turning away from the world wisdom – the noise of the world – and turning to God is what will make a difference and bring you great success in your quest for peace.
On with our quest for peace my friends!
This is so true. I lost my mom in April and I am still amazed that life just goes on. My niece’s 1st birthday was this past weekend. We all celebrated and laughed and missed mom in the process…but we’re still living. Still trying to make her proud of us. The tears still fall and my heart still breaks, but God is my strength and help. Thank you for choosing this topic!
Thank you for joining us Donya! It is sweet to hear your story. Sharing is such comfort. God is amazing in the ways He shows up.
Great post and what a very true reminder. You are a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading more of what you share about the grieving process this month, as it is pertinent to where I am right now. Write 31 days is such a special way to stumble across fantastic bloggers. Thank you for sharing.
Thank You Katie – what a joy to know this post connected with you. I look forward to reading yours as well – yes, this project is a great way to meet new people. Such a blessing.