Since Dad died 1-½ months ago people keep asking me, “How are you doing?” The truth is I have good days and bad. Sometimes I have to hold back the tears and sometimes they fall unheeded, but all-in-all, I’m doing good. I’m at peace and, as the old hymn goes, “It is well with my soul.”
How is that we Christians, in the face of such an overwhelming loss, can say with confidence, “It is well with my soul”? Where does that kind of peace come from?
The answer is it comes from knowing, without a doubt, that:
- Our loved ones are at rest. They sleep in the grave, awaiting the glorious day “when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out…” John 5:28. They feel no pain, know no sorrow. They are simply asleep waiting for Jesus to call us all home.
- We will see them soon. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thess 4:16-17.
- We are not alone. We have a God who “is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18. He never leaves or forsakes us (Deut. 31:6) and He is coming soon to take us home. Then, ‘He will 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
John 16:33 tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus is coming soon, but until then life will not be easy. Loved ones will die, hearts will be broken, tears will fall. We will experience grief, pain, loneliness, despair. But a better day is on it’s way! Until then we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and who gave His Son to set us free. His grace is incomprehensible, his compassion absolute, and His love without end.
No matter what challenges you face today, no matter the sorrow or grief you bear, hold tight to the Father’s hand. Let Him ease your burdens, soothe your pain, and give you peace, so when asked how you’re doing, you honestly say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!