God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness; just as sure as dawn always follows the darkness of night. In our grief, we may think we will never see the light of day again; but our God is faithful to heal and restore us. His dawn always follows the darkest night. This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
The hardest loss for me was the death of my youngest brother nearly 19 years ago. I confess that initially, I didn’t handle it well. At first, I felt shock and then anger. Then the tears flowed uncontrollably, both privately and publicly. For a while, I couldn’t stop crying.
His death happened so suddenly. He was only 29 years old. He left a wife and two daughters; ages 7 and 9 years old. No words or offer of help could comfort me. One day, during the first week of his passing, alone in my home, I buried my face in my bed and wailed. It was like something broke inside and I cried harder than I ever had before.
Then later, the same week, at his celebration of life, I testified that I would see my brother again in heaven because he was a believer. After that my anger gave way to acceptance, then hope and finally joy. God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness and the Lord’s light pierced my darkness and He gave me peace.
All people experience grief, and it’s very personal and individual (Proverbs 14:10). It may come from the death of a loved one; or perhaps the loss of a job or promotion. We may lose our health, or we may encounter the grief and sorrow that comes from rejection or separation from a family member or a friend.
Each situation produces grief and we may feel like the darkness will last forever.
You have distanced my loved one and friend from me. My only friend is darkness.” Psalm 88:18 (ESV)
But, God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.
It is healthy to grieve and important not to minimize the pain. We can take as much time to grieve our losses as necessary. Loss and grief are difficult to bear and sometimes too much isolation can make us feel worse.
It’s good to spend some time alone, but also to seek out the company of compassionate friends.
Attending a good, biblically based Christian church is always important, but especially during grief. We may not feel like being around others, and we may have to force ourselves, but it will help tremendously.
We shouldn’t go through grief alone. During grief, the Lord is with us of course, but we also need people to walk with us. Even though some people may offer unhelpful advice, trying to help, so we will need to extend some grace. Overall, I have found being around others beneficial during grief.
Some find a grief support group helpful. Others may need professional help to work through prolonged grief.
Grief is biblical. The Bible is full of people who’ve experienced a full range of human emotions including grief and sorrow.
Psalm 6:6 says, “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” (NLT)Lamentations 5:5 says, “Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.”(NLT)Psalm 38:6 says, “I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.” (NIV)
Grief is painful, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Because of Jesus Christ, we grieve as those who have hope. We know for those who die in the Lord, that we will see them again. In addition, we can look to Him and His Word in the midst of suffering and pain. Eventually, God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.
The Bible confirms this truth:
Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”(NLT)Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (NIV)
You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 AMP)
Keep your eyes on the horizon, because God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness, and joy will come around again.
Look to the Lord for healing and comfort.
Psalm 40:2-3 says, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (NIV)
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (NIV)
God is the giver of light and joy. He can carry us and give us a new song. He can heal our broken hearts.
“God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.”
How have you experienced God’s dawn after grief’s darkness?
Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now.
Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.
Help Spread the Word!
If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!
For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE
Additional resources about related subjects on this site:
3 Trees That Explain Suffering (a series of 3 articles)
Podcast: Is it OK to be angry with God?
Podcast: Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?
Podcast: How should I pray when suffering?
NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth