You’ll have to bare with me as I write what is on my heart today.
My son called to tell me his good friend passed away. I didn’t know what to say. I listened in shock as he told me. Since he lives far from me, I had never met him in person, but we were friends on Facebook… a thing he was shocked I accepted my son told me.
The two of them were very close and both leaned on each other as they walked some difficult roads. I prayed often for this friend as I knew he was going through much. Once I even got to talk to him on the phone as he helped me get a present for my son delivered. I was able to thank him for being there for our son as he walked through the valleys.
So, my knowledge of this young man comes from stories my son shared, posts on Facebook, and messages we sent each other every now and then.
And yet, I am grieving. I am grieving for a young life lost. For my son walking in this “first” of loosing someone so close. For his family having to hear this news and the altered life they move forward with.
I listened to worship songs, I prayed, I cried, and I turned to the pages of God’s word.
In Isaiah 53:4 in says “Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” I’m comforted that Jesus has taken on my grief. That he knows what it feels like. He died on the cross carrying those sorrows – this sorrow today.
Many are broken right now as they learn about this young man. They are thinking of all the memories, the good and the bad, the words said and left unsaid. And God is right there with them, holding them up, ready to take on those burdens of sadness. I am called in Galatians 6:2 to also carry those burdens with them… and so I will pray frequently for them for a long time.
There are many verses that give comfort and hope in this time of grief. I’ll add them at the end as maybe they will help you – maybe there is one God is speaking to you in your season of grief. I’m going to close with my personal prayer.
Lord, I thank you for being present in my life and sending your son to die for me. I thank you that in times of sorrow I know that you are walking with me and understand what I’m feeling. I know you have filled many bottles with my tears. I thank you for the life of this young man. While his days seemed short here on earth, I know your plans are good and I have hope he is rejoicing your holy name in heaven now. I trust you will use his life to lead others to you and that in the coming days, months, and years, you will walk with those who were close with him in their sorrow. You will bring them comfort and great peace. Remind us that you will someday “…wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Give me strength to carry this burden of sorrow with his family and friends. Continue to draw me close to you, open my ears to hear your voice, and lead me in the ways I should go. In Jesus precious name…. Amen.
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1-2).
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (1 Corinthians 1:3-4).
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