Compassion for the Grief Package


 We are still slowly moving through Isaiah 49. When I find something in the scriptures that really speaks to me, I just camp there. This chapter is so full of God's passionate pursuit of us. It's loaded with His compassion and comfort. Right here in the middle of the Old Testament! Imagine that. 

Today, I am focusing on verse 13. In the NLT, it says Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on them in their sorrow. 

Several things stand out to me in this verse. First, I love the full-spectrum command for all of creation to respond. Why? Because God has comforted His people and had compassion on them. But not just compassion. He shows compassion to them in their sorrow. I love that because you almost can't have caregiving without some level of grief. 

We may be watching our loved one fade slowly away day after day. Or we may suffer the "loss" of our loved one who was suddenly drastically changed by an accident or event of some sort. We can also grieve over a person born with disabilities, wondering what might have been. There are so many ways a caregiver grieves beyond that, such as the loss of our own social lives and lifestyles. That's what most people don't ever get. It's not a one-time thing; it's an ongoing grief that wanes and spikes in the most unexpected ways.

Those who don't understand are quick to condemn it; some even label it a sin. (Seriously?!?) We are silently expected to get over it and get on with life. Like it's over with or something. But God first off, sees our sorrow. Then, He responds appropriately with compassion. He doesn't look the other way, unsure how to respond. He sees us in our sorrow and reaches to us with his comfort and compassion. What a great God we serve.

Today, I will remind myself that God does not condemn us in our grief; instead, He meets us in it! He steps in when the world steps away and says, Here, let me help you with that. And then He stays with us for the duration. No matter how deep the pain. No matter how crushing the grief. No matter how incapacitating it feels. He remains. My meditations will be on how this gracious, loving, compassionate God will not turn us away and will not turn away from us in our sorrow. He will help us carry it. Sometimes, He carries us too! I know I can trust Him with one more day. Will you join me?


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Dove's Fire Ministries is active in many areas. During my caregiving years, I've written numerous books, and many of those have been translated into Urdu and distributed to Christians and leaders across Pakistan. God sure surprised me with all that!

Would you like to help me spread the Good News to the nations and help equip Christian leaders in Pakistan and India? Or if this blog has been a blessing, would you consider buying me a coffee? 

https://buymeacoffee.com/jeanieolinger

You can give a small ($5) donation (which prints 5 books in Pakistan!!) or set it up to donate monthly to help support DFM's international ministry efforts.

 

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