...we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us. Romans 5:5 (NIV)
I am preparing to assist in a GriefShare support group in the next few weeks. This is a Christ-centered grief support program. When I first heard about it, my first comment was: How could there be any effective grief support unless Jesus is the center? I do not come to that truth just because I am a Christian but because I am a Christian who is experiencing the healing power of Jesus Christ!
Whether grief comes from the death of someone we love or the death of a relationship or death of a dream, grief is the hardest work; the hardest journey we will travel. It demands physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. Fatigue finds its roots from any and all of these areas. Recharging must also come from all three areas. That can seem like an overwhelming task.
This is where Jesus is, as always, the perfect answer. It is in allowing Jesus to speak and minister to me that I find truly a supernatural refreshing. The refreshing comes from the Holy Spirit who is all about hope. Hope has a defining characteristic in that there is the expectation of fulfillment. In the experience that has brought about grief, my ‘hope’ has taken a beating. God’s love restores and fills. As I invest the time to listen and rest, I receive the lost physical, emotional, and spiritual energy back – more than I could ask or imagine!
If you are in a place of fatigue or know someone who has come through a tough holiday season and is in need, check out a local GriefShare program, come to a small group, spend time in worship (music, God’s life-giving Word), or any combination that comes with just a step. Take just one small step…God will do the rest.
Note: If you live in or near Pensacola, FL and are interested in the GriefShare program that will begin February 1, 2009, please email me for further information.
