Grief with Hope

This morning was bittersweet. A dear, dear friend has gone home to be with the Lord. O what joy and pain flow together in our hearts! Joy because we know where this person is now. Pain because we will never seem them again on earth. Pain also because a family is grieving and trying to figure out a new normal. 

I praise God that as Christians, we do not grieve without hope. 

As I went about the morning, preparing myself to for church, I silently prayed. Of course I prayed for comfort for a hurting family, but I also uttered prayers of thanks to God for giving us hope in the midst of death. Death is not the end. While our hearts hurt and mourn, there is a peace that saturates us all in knowing that there is no longer pain or discomfort. As born-again Christians, we do not have to fear dying for we have a Home prepared for us (John 14:3). 

It's hard to imagine that this beautiful, God-fearing soul is no longer earth-bound, but rejoicing, in the presence of God. My mind cannot simply imagine what that is like. 

This particular hymn is very special to me and it is because I associate it with this precious, and now grieving, family. When we met this family 4 short years ago, we sang this hymn at their church. It touched me deeply and quickly turned into a favorite. Now, as this family is in the early stages of grief, I reflect back on the powerful lyrics.

Are you weary, are you heavyhearted? Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that's well known; You've no other such a friend or brother, Tell it to Jesus alone.

Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden? Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden? Tell it to Jesus alone. 

Do you fear the gath'ring clouds of sorrow? Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow? Tell it to Jesus alone. 

Are you troubled at the thought of dying? Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; For Christ's coming kingdom are you sighing? Tell it to Jesus alone. 

Even as I type that out, tears sting my eyelids and threaten to escape down my face. Such a beautiful song, filled with hope and promise! From the very first line: "Are you grieving over joys departed?" Yes, we are. What is the solution: "Tell it to Jesus!"

May this song bring you comfort if you are walking through a trial at the moment, may the verses below bring your soul sweet peace as well.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5