Every day, I read from Milton Vincent’s book, “A Gospel Primer.” It has a 31-part section that fits nicely into my daily devotional routine. This phrase always catches me each time I read it (on the 14th of the month). He refers to a “grief-stained joy.” That idea resonates with me deeply when contemplating life. Especially today, as I write this, about ten steps away from my wife Jeanne’s hospital bed — it’s awkwardly positioned in our bedroom. This verse specifically comes to mind as I search for solace.
“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” — Psalm 119:92
Our humanity is just not enough, and we need our merciful God to help us. In our darkest days of suffering, the dawn of the Lord surely remains. Our grief is certainly not erased like the shaking of an imaginary etch-a-sketch. It’s real, and it’s also necessary. Like a bridge over a river, there is no other way to reach where God is taking us.
Run to Jesus
I like this quote from Woodrow Kroll, “God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness….We rejoice in spite of our grief, not in place of it.”
So you might say, “Nice thoughts, but how do I leave this place of despair?” Without delay, run to Jesus! Run through prayer and the Word of God.
“But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.” — Psalm 18:6
“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” — Psalm 119:28
Only our Creator can lift us up and help us walk. He’ll forever carry us through this life of grief- stained joy and on into the next.
From glory to glory!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor