GRIEF

GRIEF!

Isa 53:3

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:

           In First Samuel 25:31 the word “grief” means literally “a stumbling block.”    To the Hebrew writers the importance of grief was not its psychological effect upon the individual. Grief was important to them because it is a response to the troubles of a fallen world.

The Bible records at least three occasions when Jesus grieved: at the tomb of Lazarus, over the city of Jerusalem, and in the Garden of Gethsemane before His death. He is the "Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa 53:3). When Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, people wondered why he would weep since he knew Lazarus would be raised. The answer is that Jesus was not emotionally isolated from pain and suffering. He wept.

Death is not the only thing that causes us grief. The trouble caused by enemies is often the theme of the Psalms and grief is the response. The fallen world produces circumstances which cause grief. Disappointment in oneself produces a grief that others seldom see but it eats away at our joy.

Dr. Charles Stanley explains: “Some losses seem to be far worse than death. There are job losses; a move to a different city, which means loss of relationships and familiarity; an empty nest; loss of promotion at work; loss of a dream as your child becomes rebellious; loss of a child in miscarriage; loss of youth or good health; loss of a pet; and loss of a spouse in separation or divorce.”

Jesus is acquainted with grief – our grief. “For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Heb 4:15

Dear Lord, many are grieving one thing or another today. Comfort them and carry their sorrows. Give to them your sweet Holy Spirit as their companion in sorrow. AMEN