The Word of God-In Grief

My life is down in the dust;

give me life through Your word. 

I told You about my life,

and You listened to me;

teach me Your statutes. 

Help me understand

 the meaning of Your precepts

so that I can meditate on Your wonders. 

I am weary from grief;

strengthen me through Your word. 

Keep me from the way of deceit

and graciously give me Your instruction. 

I have chosen the way of truth;

I have set Your ordinances before me. 

I cling to Your decrees;

LORD, do not put me to shame.

~Psalms 119:25-31 HCSB 

Have you ever been weighted down with grief.  Have you ever hit rock bottom and wondered how to get back up?  I have felt that way more times than I want to say.  I think back to this last week.  We lost a dear member of our church.  I was beside her bed when she passed, holding the family who remained.  I had to walk to another room afterwards and tell her husband of 64 years she is gone.  I could feel the depth of their pain, but I couldn’t take it away.  My heart was broken because I too lost someone special and their family was grieving.  I had to prepare for a funeral service I wasn’t ready for.  I had to help the husband and children chose the order of service, when it all seemed so meaningless.  I struggled to find words to say that would comfort the family and at the same time give hope to us all. These are the times when the Word of God becomes strengthening, comforting and hopeful. 

The writer understand what it means to hit bottom, he is but dust.  He recognized that it is God who gives life through His word.  He cares for us and listens to us, He gives us understanding.  We can read the words of God and draw life from them when we are tired and worn out.  His word wraps around us and comforts us.  His word is truth and we can stand on it to put ourselves back onto our feet.  In a hospital room filled with grieving hearts I can read with confidence to give them strength, “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. (Psalms 121:1-3) At a funeral service I can read “The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.” (Psalms 23:1) and know the room will be comforted.  Lastly I can read “Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God's dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away. (Revelation 21:3-4) and there is hope. 

The word of God is life.  We can cling to it with all of our strength and draw from its depth in times of joy as well as times of grief.  Treasure it in your heart, read it every day, make it a part for every conversation you have. 

Lord Your word is life.  I need it in my life.  Lord help me understand Your word and give me the heart to follow it.  Let Your word be on my tongue and in heart, let others hear it and be made new.  Amen