How to Face Grief and Loss

There’s a topic we, especially in the Western Church, tend to dance around - grief and loss. Let’s be real, it's inevitable. Everyone, at some point, faces challenges that pierce the heart deeply, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, betrayal, or an unexpected twist in life's journey.

Taking a leaf from Jonathan Edwards’ sermon on Job, Edwards highlighted that Job’s story is basically our story. While Job faced multiple tragedies in a single day, our losses might be spread out over our lifetimes. But hey, regardless of the timing, the pain stings the same, doesn't it?

Now, here's the catch: the Church often lacks the proper dialogue around grief. We've become masters of throwing around comforting phrases like "God is good always!" without truly acknowledging or sitting in our pain. The thing is, embracing and processing this pain is critical. Just as the Psalms and stories of great biblical figures like Job and Jesus teach us, there's life and growth after facing the tough times.

Let’s jump back in time and take a stroll with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Most of us dream of joining Jesus on the boat or feeding the 5,000, but Gethsemane? That’s a whole different ball game. This was the place where Jesus deeply felt His sorrow, preparing for the greatest 'grief and loss' in history.

Observing Jesus, we learn three essential lessons for our journeys:

1. Acknowledge the Pain: Jesus was open about His feelings. He wasn’t about that "hide-it-and-smile" life. He faced his emotions head-on.
2. Lean into Your People: Jesus knew the power of community. He wanted His closest pals, Peter, James, and John, with Him during the hardest night of His life. It's a timely reminder for us to cherish and lean on our community during our own struggles.
3. Run to the Father: In His anguish, Jesus sought solace in prayer, opening up to God about His deepest feelings.

Even during the hardest times, the light of Jesus shines brightly in us. As the Apostle Paul put it, our bodies might be like fragile clay jars, but they hold an extraordinary treasure - the presence and power of Christ.

Facing our grief and losses isn't easy. But with the right approach, leaning on our community, and drawing strength from our faith, we can navigate the toughest times and come out stronger.

Keep the faith, shine your light, and remember: after the darkest nights, there's always a dawn.

- Adapted from sermons preached at our 3 campuses on 10/15/23.