Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

A part of the human condition is loss and grief.  It may be the hardest of all. Everyone, if they live long enough, will experience the death of a loved one.

My greatest loss has been my mother. The last six weeks of her life were filled with one health issue after another.  It began with the removal of part of her colon and climaxed with a stroke that left her unresponsive.

The Lord released her from the body that had imprisoned her on March 22, 2008. I knew it was for the best.  Scripture after scripture flooded my mind about death and what it means to the believer. She was no longer suffering and she finished her race. She was in the presence of her Lord.  

My brothers and I, her grand-children and great grand-children were left to grieve the loss. We all know the Lord so we have His comfort. We have the assurance of seeing her again.  We cling to that promise.

Still, I ached for her.  I could still feel her tiny frame wrapped in my arms. I could hear her lilting laughter.  I could smell the scent of her soap on her soft, wrinkled cheek.  I wasn’t wishing her back. But I was wishing her near.

As I sat in silence, I heard His still, small voice, “I didn’t do this TO YOU. I did this FOR HER.” It was not a condemning voice, but it was loving and firm.  It brought me the comfort I needed at that moment.

Maybe you are dealing with a recent or not so recent loss and you don’t wish them back.  How could we ask them to leave the splendor of Heaven and come back to a broken world with broken bodies?  But you wish them near. Allow the Lord today to bring you the comfort that your loved one is in His presence and they are waiting for you. 

Not much longer and we will see them again.  I imagine long strolls with my mom taking in all the sights of Heaven. I want to slip my hand in hers as we kneel before our King in worship. 

Father, thank You for Your comfort in our times of grief. Remind us that death is not the end. Help us to carry on until You call us home. Amen.