Question description

Currently, I don't have anything to grieve for in my life and thank God for that. However, a lot of friends around me are going through hard time which makes me think of how to overcome sadness and sorrow like Jesus did. One example I remember from the Old Testament is David grieving for the death of his first son with Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12: 22 David said, “While the baby was still alive, I fasted, and I cried. I thought, ‘Who knows? Maybe the Lord will feel sorry for me and let the baby live.’ 23 But now that the baby is dead, why should I fast? I can’t bring him back to life. Someday I will go to him, but he cannot come back to me.”  What makes him accept and get over it? I want to know to comfort myself and my loved ones in the future.

Answer description

Grief is something that will enter all of our lives, probably many times. And your desire to find a way to deal with this devastation in a God-honoring manner is a good one.

I think there might be several ways in which to address your question. I have spent time meditating and reading on this and I'll share what God has given me to share with you. I think your example of David is an excellent one. And so, the question of how he dealt with his grief in such an upright manner holds much truth for us. I believe the answer can be summed up in one word, TRUST. Despite the sadness and loss in his heart, David can put his trust in God's goodness, promises, and God's ultimate plan for good. David put his focus on God rather than on the grief feelings he was encountering. He trusts that God has a purpose in everything that happens in our lives and He promises that "all things will work together for good" (Rom 8:28). He trusts that God knows all things and is wiser than himself. And he trusts, as Job says, "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

David's deep trust in the Lord made it possible for him to move forward in a way that did not allow grief to rule his life. I want to share one example that I have learned in dealing with any deeply troubling situation. I use this in times of confusion, heartache & grief. I simply go to a quiet place where I am not interrupted and I spend a half hour doing nothing, but praising God. Praising Him for every little thing that comes into my mind where I understand His grace plays a part. You may think it is not possible to find enough things worthy of praise to fill up a full 30 minutes. But you will be surprised. As you focus on His purpose, the Holy Spirit will bring more and more things into your consciousness that God has played a part in. And you need to praise Him for every one of these. If there comes a moment or two of non-inspiration, I wait. The Spirit will supply. The hardest part of this process for me was learning to praise God for even the things that were difficult and maybe hurtful to me.

God is in control of all things and thus, every detail of our lives is worthy of praise. (I Thes 5:18) And the purpose of all this is that it takes our mind off what is causing us to grieve and is putting it on our Lord from whom all blessings flow.

So I hope what I have shared is helpful to you. Grief is a great opportunity for us to learn to trust and focus on God's grace.

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