“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
My grandmother, whom I was very close to, died a week ago today. I had the honor and privilege of being with her as she left this world and went to be with her Lord, Jesus. It was not hard to let her go, because she desperately wanted to go home. The sorrow I feel is not for her–I know she is happy, healed, and whole. No, the sadness I carry now is for me, because I miss her so much.
As Christians, is it okay to grieve? Is it Christ-like? I think it is not only what Jesus would do, it is essential for our well-being and spiritual health when left behind in this world. I am convinced I can simultaneously rejoice for Grandma’s homecoming to heaven while weeping because of the hole left in my life.
Jesus saw how Mary and Martha and many others were filled with sorrow when Lazarus died. In John 11, the Bible says that He wept, that He was “moved in spirit and was troubled.” (vs. 33) It wasn’t Lazarus whom Jesus cried for; Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus back to life. Jesus wept for all those people who were sad because they would miss Lazarus.
So, as I navigate through this grief for my grandmother in the next few weeks and months, I will remember that it’s okay to cry–Jesus did. And, I will keep in mind that He knows what I’m going through.
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message)
If you find yourself in a grieving time right now, like I do, please be encouraged. God will comfort you and keep you. He will walk with you through this trial and will not abandon you. He knows how you feel–talk with Him and let Him know you are hurting and need His help.
Blessings, Tammy
