Overcoming Loss

Loss is painful. 

And it comes in many forms. Loss of a job. The loss of a dream for the future. A friendship or relationship that ends. Children who grow up and go off to college or move away. The loss of a beloved pet. The death of a parent, sibling, spouse, or child. It hurts. And depending on the situation, it will hurt for a very long time. You feel the emptiness as if a piece of your heart is missing.  Psalm 31:9 NIV

Loss is inevitable. 

We will all experience loss in this life.  So what should we do when it comes? How long do we grieve? What do we do with the feelings?

Some losses are relatively minor.  There will be a short time of sadness before moving on.

Other losses seem overwhelming. The more devastating the loss, the longer it may take to feel comfortable living a new normal.  John 16:33 NLT

Loss is a process.

If you are feeling hurt over the loss of a job or dream for the future, look for the reasons God may have allowed this. What can be learned through this experience? What is God trying to teach you? Pray for His guidance and direction and move when He moves you.  Jeremiah 29:11

If a friendship or other relationship has ended, it may have been through no fault of your own. Still, you may want to examine any part you may have played in the breakdown of the relationship. There is much to learn and God wants to show you. If there is no chance for reconciliation, don’t wallow in the mistakes of the past. Take time to grieve the loss and with God’s help, begin again.  Psalm 35:14 NIV

The most devastating loss is the death of a loved one. The pain seems unbearable at times. This is when we need God’s comfort the most. Just to survive from one day to the next can be challenging. We may not want to keep going when someone so dear to us is gone. But God’s comfort is always there. He walks with us through our darkest moments. And Jesus himself was called a “man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief”. He knows what you are feeling. And He wants to help you through this difficult time.  Isaiah 53:3 NLT

Loss has a purpose.

Loss forces us to realize that we cannot control our circumstances. Something beyond our control is at work. I believe God allows some situations to come into our lives to draw us closer to Him. Sometimes the enemy is involved (remember Job?). We may never understand why we experience loss in this life. One thing we can all know for certain, God can take anything that happens to us and cause it to work out for good. Romans 8:28 ESV

So when loss comes, and it will, make the choice to run to God. He is there, arms open wide, ready to comfort you.  2 Corinthians 1:3 NLT

If you are facing loss today, please rest in knowing that God will meet you right where you are and comfort you with His love, and grant you mercy and peace.  John 16:22 NIV