Читать книгу Grief - Jody Neufeld - Страница 8

My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

Psalm 6:3

I remember as a 15-year-old wishing that I was 16 and old enough to drive. I remember as an 18-year-old wishing I was 21 so I could do “everything!”. My mother (35 years older than me) would say to me, “Jo, don’t wish your life away.” I think she and I would finally be on the same page if we asked, “How long will this intense pain last?”, “How long will I feel like I am living in a pit?”, and “When will the days and nights seem easier?”

It has always been amazing to me how the business world has determined that we can ‘get over’ a loss in three days. That is the usual number of Bereavement Days that a company will pay. Many will allow more flexibility but without pay. Most companies also have access to employee assistance programs that include counselors. But after three days most employers expect us to come back and become productive employees again. Frequent visits to the rest room to wipe away tears, just sitting and staring into space or at a paper on my desk is not tolerated for very long. Too bad – because it will happen!

John 14-17 is an excellent place to read during this time when the pain is so fresh and intense that complicated thoughts are too much to handle. Take out your Bible and let’s look at some of Jesus’ important points that He was trying to give to the disciples who were also grieving. (These are my notes on the verses.)

 Don’t try to figure out all the troubles and the thoughts that whirl around right now. Trust God. Trust me. (John 14:1)

 I have given you my Spirit. Listen to what He says. He is the Spirit of truth. The world doesn’t accept Him because it cannot see Him. But you know Him because He lives in you. He makes us connect! He will remind you of what I have said. (John 14:15-21)

 I am the vine; you are the branches. Stay with me. Don’t turn away. If you hang in there with me, anything you ask, I will answer. I will help you through; help you to grow good fruit. (John 15:5-8)

 I love you. I love you. (John 15:9)

 If the world abandons you, remember it abandoned me first. You are mine so you really don’t expect to find answers or peace in its teachings. (John 15:18-19)

 I’ve told you this so you won’t get lost when things are bad. There may even be people in the church who will turn you away and try to kill your spirit with their rebukes and good advice, thinking they are speaking for God. (John 16:1-2)

 REMEMBER: I HAVE OVERCOME ALL THINGS OF THIS WORLD! EVEN DEATH AND ITS GRIEF!!! (John 16:33)

 I pray for all who will believe in me. May they come closer and closer to Me and learn from Me and lean more on Me. Their burdens will become mine. I will fill their empty spaces. (John 17:20-26)

As hard as it is to focus, opening God’s words and just reading a few lines is nourishment to a thirsty person! You know when you have a stomach virus and all you want is some clear fizzy soda or a little light soup? God has many ‘sips’ of light verses that are full of the love and assurance we need in those first few months. Stick your straw in and sip from the perfectly refreshing Water of Life!