Women's Devotional: For Women, by Womenنموونە

Overwhelmed With Grief

Have you ever tried to comfort someone who refused to be comforted? Or maybe you were the one whose sorrow was so deep that no words or actions could penetrate your grief. We’ve all seen or experienced the gut-wrenching sorrow that causes us to want to deny the pain and turn back the hands of time. Sometimes all we can do is utter the name of the person we’ve lost.

Such was David’s grief when he heard of Absalom’s death. He stopped everything and, in true Eastern fashion, wailed for his rebellious son, even though Absalom was killed in a coup to steal his father’s kingdom. Nevertheless, David was so grief-stricken that he was unable to cope with the responsibilities of reclaiming the kingdom. In fact, his grief was so debilitating that his closest aides warned him that if he didn’t pull himself together and rejoice that his armies had conquered his enemies (including his son), his subjects would grow disheartened. As a father, David had every right to feel grief. However, as the leader of a nation, King David had to rise above his grief and carry on for the sake of his people.

The death of a child is beyond tragic. It is the deepest grief and sorrow. And there are other losses worth grieving: the death of a marriage, the end of a friendship, or the loss of your health. Then comes the anguish. You want to black out the present and look to the past. You deeply want to turn back the clock and reverse what has happened. You can’t eat, sleep, or work. In the freshness of the pain, it might seem you can never again function.

Maybe you are overwhelmed by a devastating grief right now or are trying to encourage someone else in a similar situation. Maybe you need to think about what David did. Embrace your personal grief, but remember your responsibilities to others, even though it may be the hardest thing to do.

God has not promised immunity from sorrow, but he has promised that he will be present with us through it: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

Reflection

• What event or events in your life have nearly overwhelmed you with grief? Describe what happened.
• What responsibilities forced you to face your pain and function again?
• How did God come alongside to comfort and strengthen you in your sorrow?