DAILY DEVOT IONAL 10
Rev. Dr. John G. Smith
2 Samuel 18:30-33
Isaiah 53:3-5
John 11:32-35
REFLECTION
During my ministry, I have acquired a close affinity with grief. From comforting scores of members who lost loved ones, to my own personal experience as the sole living survivor of the four members of my family of origin, to facilitating bereavement support groups for others, and grieving the loss of a sizeable number of close friends and colleagues in the Covid pandemic. I was under the impression that I knew all that I could possibly know about grief. However, the brutal killing of my twelve-year-old granddaughter on February 10, 2023, plunged me into a heart wrenching time of grieving unlike anything I had ever experienced before. In those early days in what grief counselor, Dr. Alan Wolfelt has called “the wilderness of grief,” my cries often mirrored that of King David, who when he learned that his son, Absalom had been killed, cried out:
“O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you – O Absalom, my son, my son!”
The suffering and pain which the journey through the stages of grief brought me has been interwoven with the even slower process of healing. It takes time to experience healing, but it does come slowly as I can attest. In my situation, my unforgiving heart was an obstacle to my healing. It was not until by God’s grace, facilitated by much prayer, reading of the psalms, self-compassion, and a community of supporters, that I was able to relinquish the desire for revenge, and what I perceived as the justice I and my family deserved. Gradually, I became aware of a change, working its way from inside of me, which began to change my whole demeanor and outlook.
I am still on my journey in the wilderness of grief but reflecting on the journey thus far, I know that the healing I have experienced has only come as I have ‘let go and let God.’ For me and for all who must navigate the terrors of grief, our help and our hope are in Jesus Christ our Comforter, the One ‘acquainted with all our grief,’ meaning he has encountered more grief than we have, understands our need for comfort, and is capable and able to help us find our way through the wilderness.
PRAYER:
Christ, the Healer, draw near to all who currently, and even for a long time now have been journeying through the wilderness of grief. As you companioned Mary and Martha grieving the death of Lazarus, even weeping alongside them in their sorrow, walk with us, strengthen us, support and restore us. Heal us, Emmanuel, hear our prayer; we wait to feel your touch. Amen.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. Where might there be a need for healing in your life which you have been ignoring?
2. What would you ask Christ the Healer for (i) yourself, (ii) someone else, and (iii) our country and the world? 3. What word or action can you extend to someone you know who is hurting as a way of encouraging healing for that individual?