Occasionally, the tears flow freely as we mourn the life we once envisioned, the dreams that didn’t unfurl, the paths not taken. A heavy sigh escapes our lips, echoing the words, “I just wish that…”
In the depths of grief, we often find ourselves in Mary and Martha’s shoes, their hearts echoing the unspoken plea with groans and tears, “I just wish that you were here.” Sorrow, like a dense fog, settles in, obscuring the way forward, leaving us adrift in a sea of “what ifs” and “if onlys.” But even in the midst of the swirling mist, hope remains, a beacon waiting to be kindled. Just as the sun eventually melts away the fog, revealing the world anew, God’s love and grace can penetrate the darkness of grief. It just takes time. But not just time, but also hope.
David in Psalm 71 writes, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.”
In our grief we find hope in a God that knows our pain. That weeps with us in our hurt. Jesus says, I am the resurrection and life. This promise, like a life raft, keeps us afloat in the grey mist of grief. It reminds us that although we may experience profound sorrow, death is not the end, but rather a transformation.
Just as a seed planted in the ground undergoes a period of darkness and decay before bursting forth into new life, so too do we experience a period of mourning and grief before we can truly embrace the promise of resurrection. This process is not easy, but it is necessary. It allows us to release the pain of our loss and prepare our hearts for the joy that awaits us beyond the veil of tears.
We are encouraged with these words echoing now as a promise in our hearts when we grieve, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) We witness perfect love in the midst of Mary and Martha as they grieve when we read, Jesus wept.
No greater love than this has ever so gruesomely yet gloriously been on display before. Just be reminded, “Weep deeply over the life that you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Feel the pain. Then wash your face, trust God, and embrace the life that he’s given you.”
“A Tearful Sigh and a Whisper of Hope”
The tears, they flow, a silent stream,
For dreams not dreamt, paths not redeemed.
A sigh escapes, a mournful sound,
“If only this, if only that…” surrounds.
Like Mary, Martha, hearts in pain,
A silent plea, “Oh Lord, come again.”
Grief’s fog descends, obscures the way,
Lost in “what ifs” of yesterday.
But wait, a glimmer in the mist,
A hope that lingers, won’t be missed.
Like morning sun on dew-kissed ground,
God’s love shines through, all sadness drowned.
David whispers, “Though troubles rise,
He’ll lift me up, beyond the skies.
He’ll grant me honor, peace untold,
My heart will be restored, made whole.”
In grief we find a solace true,
A God who weeps when we weep too.
Jesus whispers, “Life lies ahead,
Though death may reign, it’s not the end.”
As seeds in darkness find their light,
So too, we rise from sorrow’s blight.
Though tears may fall, a promise rings,
New life awaits beyond these wings.
And when we struggle, lost and lone,
These words echo, “I’m never gone.”
In Mary’s weep, in Martha’s plea,
Love’s perfect form, for all to see.
So weep your tears, let grief have sway,
Then rise again, and trust the way.
Embrace the life that’s given now,
With hope reborn, your spirit vow.