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The death of a friend or family member brings about the challenges of a relationship being completed. As we look at the grieving process Jesus' words in Matthew 5:4 become true to the surviving friends and family members. A special sense of God's grace and love accompany the death of a dear friend. The words "See you tomorrow", "Talk to you soon" and "I miss you" take on a very different meaning when the death of a friend takes place. The challenge in grieving the death of a close friend is in allowing God to fill the void of the friendship or broken relationship has left you with. Taking time to grieve means taking the time necessary to acknowledge how your friend impacted your life. It is very common during the grieving process to recall activities from years earlier. During these times you are able to come before the Lord in prayer and thank Him for the special memories you have. There is a true sense of intimacy when sharing moments with the Lord that are tender. The comforting power of the Holy Spirit becomes very real during these times. These memories help bring closure allowing you to continue on with your life. Grieving the death of a friend is a very personal experience. During the grieving process you are negotiating what your life will look like as you move beyond the death of your friend pursuing various activities. Each person expresses his or her sorrow in a different way. Tears cleanse the soul and release the burden sorrow brings. Friends will support you as you express you sorrow in this way. Encourage your friends to check on you frequently. They are the ones who will support you long term, after the news of the death passes and others are able to move more quickly on with their lives. Depending on the impact this person had on your life will determine the number of memories and the intensity of emotions you experience when you learn of their death and remember their life. As memories come it is healthy to share them with others in your peer group who are learning to support you during the season of grief you are enduring. But in sharing memories it is important to involve the Lord in the process and to pray for each other. During times like these we experience the unconditional love of the Father heart of God. The unique challenge following the death of your friend or family member is wrestling through the "what if", "I wish" and "if only" thoughts. These are the times when the Lord is shaping your character. During this time a deep sense of His love for You is real as His Holy Spirit is comforting you and strengthening you. When past failures are remembered Jesus by virtue of His death is able to bring about restoration and wholeness. This process relies on you acknowledging your brokenness before the Lord so He may reconcile this by the price He paid at Calvary. We are able to receive the Lord's pardon by acknowledging our weaknesses. His grace covers the unresolved situations.
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