Families go through moments of loss occasionally. It may be a case where something tangible is lost, for example a car or house due to an accident or perhaps a pet or family member. Intangible things can also be lost, for example, bonds, trust and respect. By working together, family members can help to alleviate the hurt each other face during times of loss and grief. They can also trust that God is able to restore that which they have lost and He is able to fill the holes that may remain.
Separation
Some instances of separation are inevitable in families. Children will sometimes move away for school, becoming separated from parents and siblings. They will also eventually grow up and move out to start a life of their own. Though inevitable and necessary “good” separation may cause feelings of loneliness and discomfort, in not only the family members left behind, but also in the family member that has moved away. Separation can also be due to the breaking of bonds, which usually causes more damage and hurt to family members. Spouses may choose to separate, or children may move away from home for various reasons. Regardless of the cause, separation can be painful and may leave lasting effects, affecting how people relate to others, how they form future relationships and bonds and their mental health may also be affected.
Family members should always be willing to amicably deal with differences and issues. This way, even if a separation is necessary, both parties and even those who are not directly involved, may be able to peacefully move on and heal. Forgiveness should be a recurring theme in families. Someone in the family is bound to do something that annoys or hurts another member and so it is important that forgiveness is practiced. Issues should not be allowed to pile on top of each other without being resolved. Whenever that happens it usually does not end well.
If you are going through a period of separation or carrying hurt from a past instance, be reminded that you can trust in God to give you comfort and peace. It is a tough thing for families to face but God, the creator of families, is ever ready to help you through it.
Death
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). For finite human beings, as we all are, death is a sure thing. There is no running away from it. At some point in time, we will experience it and the hurt that it brings. Each of us are appointed once to die but we will also come face to face with losing loved ones because of death. This type of loss all families must face.
Losing a loved one can be very painful and even when family members are ill and death is imminent, their passing still pulls on the strings of our hearts. Losing someone can seem so unfair and unnecessary and it can be so hard to wrap our minds around it. Moving on may seem impossible and life as we know it may become a thing of the past.
Death is horrible. It was never in God’s original plan for man to die but with sin comes all these unneeded consequences. However, He doesn’t leave us to bear them alone. He knows what it feels like to lose someone close, and He offers comfort in these hard times:
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
Psalm 24:18-19
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
John 16:22
Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
Psalm 30:5
…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
One thing we can hold on to is the fact that, on the cross Jesus conquered death. He did it, not only to deliver us from sin, but also to show that through Him, we too can conquer death. We can look forward to the great resurrection at His second coming. Death can seem so final but God, in His wisdom and love, developed a plan to redeem His people from sin and death. So, mourn your loved ones but also rejoice because there is a great reunion coming.
God gives comfort to all families. He knows and understands how tragic loss can be and is ever ready to mend broken hearts and broken families. Being separated from family or losing someone to death may be your “valley of the shadow of death”, your darkest moment, your last straw, but God! God will comfort you with His rod and staff. He will put together the broken pieces of your heart. He will be with you and your family as you weather your storms. God loves families. He loves your family.
ThreeSixteen Ministries 