Letters to GriefSample

Companion

Dear Grief,

I woke up one morning, and you were in my house, uninvited. Nobody asked you to come, but there you were, all moved in, just like you owned the place. You sat down at the kitchen table and declared yourself part of the family. A permanent resident. Not going anywhere.

I bristled at you at first, tried to shake you off. I gave you the cold shoulder and ignored you—snapped at you, even, when you made me mad. I tried and tried to get rid of you, but you refused to leave.

Now I’ve grown used to you. You’ve become a part of me, really. When I fear you’ve left me alone, I’m relieved to see you walking down the gravel road toward me, and I rush down the driveway to meet you. We embrace in the breeze, dust kicked up in clouds wafting from the ground.

You are my constant companion, my invisible friend. I take you with me everywhere I go. You’re my shadow. I sit with you on the front porch swing, and together we rock back and forth as we watch the sun melt into the horizon. And we wait.

We wait for the day when He will return, the One who became flesh and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14). He will come back, and then you and I will bid each other one final farewell. He will replace you, and you’ll lose your place in the house of my heart forever.

You are my constant companion, my invisible friend. I take you with me everywhere I go. You're my shadow.

Abide with me:

fast falls the eventide;

the darkness deepens;

Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers

fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless,

O abide with me.

“Abide with Me,”

Henry Francis Lyte

Questions for Reflection

1. At what times of the day, week, month, or year are you most aware of the presence of grief in your life?

2. What is one practical thing you can do today to remind yourself of the Lord’s presence with you in the midst of your grief? (Examples: Post a Scripture verse on your refrigerator or above your kitchen sink; set an extra place at the table to signify the presence of Christ; light a candle during your morning devotions; play worship music to turn your heart toward Him.)

3. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your level of anticipation regarding Christ’s return? If the number is lower than you’d like it to be, what could you do to increase your excitement?

Reflective Prayer

Lord, I confess that too often I am aware of the presence of grief more than I am aware of the presence of You. I focus on my pain more than Your nearness.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to see past the weight of this day. Lift my head to the horizon and fill me with hope for the future. Give me a greater longing for the day when You will return and we will be united in glory.

Thank You for abiding with me even when other comforts fail and helpers flee. You are my most faithful companion. Teach me how to turn to You first, above all, as my source of comfort and strength.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

Psalm 42:7 (NIV)