Drawing Nearer to God During Adversity and Grief
Grief and sorrow can be a very hurtful process but relying on and trusting in God can get you through. Adversity is difficulty, misfortune, circumstances that are against you, trauma, lack or re-occurring problems.
Prov. 3: 5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Following this will assure us of victory in every adversity, grief, or trial that we will go through.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says, A time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. James reminds us in James 4: 14 says, whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeared for a little time then vanishes away. Death is a normal process of life. God promises us in I Thessalonians 4:13-18 that I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, they ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. God promises that we will see our loved ones again.
Psalms 34:19 says the righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. II
Corinthians 12:9 says, but my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. God is strong on the inside of us when we are weak. The Lord is our strength and help. God desires for us all to seek his comfort and not allow our hearts to be troubled no matter what our situation is. The Bible says if you believe God believe also in me. God is ever mindful of us. His thoughts towards us are always good and his love for us is unconditional. God has a plan and purpose for each of us, so trials and adversity do not stop God from moving in our lives.
Psalms 33:11 says, the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of his heart through all generations. God wants us to be happy full of joy and peace. So, we must cast our cares upon him for he cares for us.
Deuteronomy 30:19 says, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have sent before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
To live in the Greek is:
To breathe
To be among the living
To enjoy real life
To live
The word life in Greek is Zoè. I have come that they may have Zoè and may have Zoè abundantly.
In Deuteronomy 30:19, God was talking to Moses and Israel; they were at the borders of the Promised Land. Moses warned them not to abandon their covenant. Today we are under the covenant of Grace which requires faith in God. The Bible says without faith, it is impossible to please God. He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Another translation says he who draws near must believe. The Bible also
says without faith, we cannot please God!
Psalms 73:28 says, It is good for me to draw near to God. In time of grief, it is a good thing to stay in his presence.
Hebrews 10:22 says, let us draw near with a true heart with full assurance of faith. We have full assurance knowing that God will always stand by us. God is always mindful of us. His thoughts towards us are always good and his love is unconditional. When we choose life, we choose healing; a renewed mind and His love for us. When we decide to choose life, He becomes a Father to the fatherless and a protector of the widows. When we choose life, we will see good days. Pastor Tony Evans in his message Living with Loss referred to what David said in Psalm 42:11, I will yet praise him, in the midst of disappointment and let down, I will yet praise him.”
Philippians 4:8 says Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. So, as we continue this journey that we call life, let us meditate and trust in God’s Word daily.
In conclusion, Isaiah 43:2 says, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Remember we always win no matter the trial because the greater one lives on the inside of us. Below are a few tips to help you in the process of healing.
Read and meditate on God’s word daily
Spend time in prayer
Attend church services
Allow yourself time to heal
Talk with strong saints or spiritual leaders
Walking and being active are very helpful for the healing process
Remember God is Omnipresent. His divine presence encompasses the whole universe. He is always with you because He lives in you. As our Bishop would always say “Much, much love to you!” Selah!