Psalm 30:5b “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
JOY WILL
Let me be quick to say that I know that grief is real. I have lost both of my parents, an infant child and scores of close friends. I am a weeper. I cry easily and when these loved ones passed, I wept for them openly. I am not ashamed to cry.
But I also know, as a follower of Christ, just as David knew so long ago that “joy comes with the morning.” You could even say as Christians that joy comes with the MOURNING. Isn’t that great? No matter how deep the grief His joy goes deeper.
TEACHING MOMENT
Many parents want to shield their children from grief. They seem to think they are sparing them from harm. Listen to me carefully. Teach them how to grieve. When they lose a pet, cry with them. When a grandparent dies, help them grieve. When a close friend moves away, let them cry on your shoulder.
But then, point them to Jesus. Teach them that through the lowest moments in life, Jesus is always there. He will be there to hold them and love them. He will hug them tighter than you ever could. Teaching proper grief is important for your child. Don’t shield them. Embrace the grief, knowing joy is coming.
Perhaps you are suffering grief today. Perhaps you have not let the passing of a loved one go. Let it go today. Revel in the joy of Jesus. Live your life to bring joy to others by the very way you handle grief. Point them heavenward.
