When you want to say something, but you know you don’t have the words to aptly give the comfort that is needed, what do you say? Even when you are face to face with someone that believes and knows the sovereignty of God, it remains so difficult. You can try putting yourself in their shoes, but when those shoes start hurting you are free to take them off, while they cannot. It is like we try to fill a hole with words because we are uncomfortable. Would silence be better, as it speaks a language of it own? Maybe it is enough to be present in that moment, standing shoulder to shoulder, as you lend your strength where theirs is failing. We know this as the ministry of Presence, when God is more than enough, as we feel that we are not.
We like to say that time heals, but that seems like a hollow statement when someone is suffering so badly. There are no adjectives that exist during these times, when the brokenness cannot be explained by words that fit well in other situations.
Yet, we are needed at these times as we bring the reality of human frailty with us as we gather to lend support and love. We come so that those suffering loss will not be alone, and we come to bring hope and our belief in a loving God.
Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep.” NKJ
Last night we grieved as dear friends told of the loss of their son. It has been a difficult day as we reminisced about times our families have been together and the bonds that have kept us all these years. I have no words.
There is a scripture that comforts me as I am reminded of God’s compassion and His faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.” NIV