We Cling To Hope
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." -- Psalm 23:4
Words of comfort. Preachers quote them often at funerals. We are comforted by God's presence, by the presence of family and friends who hold us up through unbearable grief.
Death is never easy but it just seems especially horrid as Christmas nears. Death strikes brutally, ripping our hearts open, leaving us fragile and clinging to a hope we cannot see for the darkness that remains. My Grandmother died December 17, 1976. It is always there with every holiday season. Amidst the bustle of presents and baking and family gatherings, is the sadness of loss.
Wednesday a 14-year-old girl died in a tragic accident. She was the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of friends. How will her family find the strength to make it through the days that are to come? How will they cope with the emptiness that comes with presents that will never be opened by a child who will never come home?
God. That's the only way to cope. I can't imagine their grief. I can't comprehend their sorrow. But I do know that when your life is torn apart by the unexpected loss of someone you love, God is all that remains. He is your rock, your fortress, your hidden strength. He doesn't make the grief go away but He carries you through it.
Jesus defeated death. We know that. As believers, we know that we'll see our loved ones again one day. Christmas reminds us of the hope that came with the birth of a baby who came to save us all. In the midst of unspeakable tragedy we cling to that.
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